Drniš Castle

Drniš Castle, locally known as Utvrda Gradina, lies in the town of Drniš, in the county of Šibenik-Knin in Croatia. The name 'Gradina' is a more generic Croatian name and is often used referring to fortified places, like hill forts, small settlements or castles.

Archaeological research showed traces that dated back to Late Roman times, when there may have been a castrum at this site to ensure control over local trade routes. The site is a strategic one; next to a canyon of the Čikola River, at a point where it opens up to the Petrova Plain.

When the castle was exactly built is unknown. It was probably built during the 14th century by the Nelipić family, who were Croatian nobles that held and controlled this area from 1322 on. In that century they also erected several other castles around the Krka and Čikola rivers, like Ključica, Kamičak, Bogočin and Nečven, to form a chain of fortifications. The village then started to form, next to the castle, and was first mentioned in 1494.

In 1522, the Ottomans conquered the area and took over the castle at Drniš. They then modernized and strengthened it, to fit their needs. The ruined round tower that can be seen today, dates back to that time.

During the Fifth Ottoman-Venetian War, in 1649, the castle was taken by the troops of the Venetian commander Leonardo Foscolo. To prevent its future use by the Ottomans, he then had the castle demolished. The Ottomans were driven out of the area in 1684, after which Drniš came under Venetian rule. The everyday Ottoman threat, however, remained and, because of the strategic value of Drniš, the Venetians restored the ruined medieval castle and made it part of a new, larger bastion fort.

In 1715, the threat of Ottoman attacks disappeared and the castle/fort lost its military purpose. It was finally abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century, after which it became a quarry for the local population.

At present, next to nothing remains of the 17th century Venetian fort. Only the ruined Ottoman tower and some medieval wall parts are still standing.

Drniš Castle is freely accessible. A nice castle ruin which today is part of a small public park.

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