Description

Winding from Benkovac to Pakoštane, the road goes through the village of Vrana, which was an important center of power in the medieval Croatia. There is, unfortunately, little of that historical grandeur for a visitor to see. An uninformed traveler may easily leave Vrana behind unaware of the two major monuments from Croatian history - the Mašković Han and the old castle of Vrana, despite their vicinity to the road. This is particularly true for the castle, which is in a really pitiful state - crumbled down walls covered in undergrowth, unattractive and unreachable. Conservation and restoration of this important site, as well as its proper presentation to visitors and locals alike, would be much appreciated.

Entrance

Walls

State

It is estimated that this structure has been preserved in just about 20% of its original form. The southern wall with one of the gates and battlements, a square tower and a monastery chapel are in a slightly better shape. The protective moat going around the castle is also discernible.

Walls

History

The castle of Vrana was recorded in the 9th century. It was originally the site of a Benedictine abbey of St. Gregory. Croatian King Zvonimir donated this abbey to Pope Gregory VII in 1076. In the 12th century the monastery was taken over by the Knights Templar and after their order was dissolved in 1312, they were replaced by the Knights Hospitaller. Among the priors of the monastery were some important figures from Croatian history, like Ban Ivan Paližna in the 14th century, or Ban Petar Berislavić, who distinguished himself in organizing defense against the Ottoman invasion. In 1529 the Ottoman Turks captured Vrana, which marked the beginning of its decline. In the 17th century it was briefly taken by the Venetians, who razed it to the ground before the return of the Turks. The fortress was never rebuilt.

Chapel remains

Info

  • Gojko Pintur, Mile Mesić: Katastar kulturno-povijesne baštine u parku prirode Vransko jezero