Dubovac Castle: the hilltop castle that is older than Karlovac
Dubovac Castle (Stari grad Dubovac) is a castle on a hill above the River Kupa in Karlovac, central Croatia. Its square tower probably dates from the 13th century, and the building was later reshaped in Renaissance style and rebuilt in a romantic spirit in the 19th century. Today you can climb to its lookout and see a museum exhibition, a rewarding detour for anyone exploring hidden gems in Croatia.
The city of Karlovac, with its star-shaped fortifications, grew up below a castle that was already centuries old. Dubovac was once more important than the town that later swallowed its name as a district.
The history of Dubovac Castle
Dubovac stands on a prehistoric mound above the Kupa, about 185 m above sea level. Archaeological excavations late in the 20th century revealed rich prehistoric and ancient layers of a settlement from the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. The castle itself dates from before the 13th century, and its square tower was probably built in the 13th century. The first written documents that mention it come from 1339, church records that note it received its first parish priest; many were written in Glagolitic. The name comes from the oak forest that surrounded the castle.
From the 14th century a succession of noble families held Dubovac. The Frankopans contributed most to it: under them the timber structure became a stone building and the castle took on the form it has today. Other owners included the Zrinski family and the Sudar family. A document of 22 February 1481 mentions Dubovac, and in 1588, when Karlovac was being fortified, the castle formed part of its supply chain. In 1604 Nikola VI Zrinski tried to buy it; Emperor Rudolf II asked 93,495 florins for it together with other properties. It was rebuilt in Renaissance style, though the sources disagree on the century. Croatian Wikipedia says it was destroyed by the Ottomans in a raid on Good Friday 1578.
From 1671 until 1809 Dubovac was owned by the generals of Karlovac. In 1777 the military engineer Krey described it as a castle built mainly of rubble stone, with an irregular, four-sided plan reinforced by corner towers. The keep is square and two storeys taller than the three other towers, which are round and have two storeys. Wings between the towers held defensive, storage and living rooms. In 1837 the new owner, Count Laval Nugent, rebuilt the castle in the spirit of romanticism, and it was renovated again in 1952, following graphic views from the end of the 18th century.
Today the castle is a tourist destination, with a lookout and a permanent museum exhibition in its tallest tower. At the foot of the hill stands the National Shrine of St Joseph, proclaimed by the Croatian bishops on 15 April 1987. Over the centuries Dubovac's role changed, and it was once more important than the town of Karlovac, which appeared much later.
Curiosities about Dubovac Castle
- Dubovac is older than Karlovac: the castle dates from before the 13th century, while the city appeared considerably later.
- The castle lent its name to a district of Karlovac, and it takes its own name from the oak forest that once surrounded it.
- The 1673 map of Croatia by Stjepan Glavač records it as Dubouetz.
- A document of 1604 shows that Emperor Rudolf II asked 93,495 florins for Dubovac and other properties when Nikola VI Zrinski tried to buy them.
- Excavations have shown that people lived on the hill as far back as the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.
- The castle appears on a commemorative Croatian postage stamp.
Tours near Dubovac Castle
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting Dubovac Castle
- The castle has a lookout and a permanent museum exhibition in its highest tower. Check the current opening hours before you go.
- Look at the layout: an irregular four-sided castle with a square keep and three lower round corner towers.
- Guide materials describe a large model of the surrounding countryside among the museum exhibits.
- At the foot of the hill is the National Shrine of St Joseph, which is easy to combine with a visit to the castle.
- Sources do not give details of access arrangements, so check locally.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Dubovac Castle is
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Photos of Dubovac Castle
Questions
Where is Dubovac Castle?
It stands on a hill about 185 m above sea level over the River Kupa, in the Dubovac district of Karlovac in central Croatia.
How old is Dubovac Castle?
The castle dates from before the 13th century, and its square tower was probably built in the 13th century. The first written mention is from 1339.
Who owned Dubovac Castle?
Owners included the Sudar, Frankopan and Zrinski families, the Karlovac military command and, from 1837, Count Laval Nugent. From 1671 to 1809 it belonged to the generals of Karlovac.
What can you see at Dubovac Castle?
There is a lookout and a permanent museum exhibition in the tallest tower, as well as the castle's towers and wings around an irregular four-sided plan.
How did Dubovac get its name?
According to Croatian Wikipedia, it is named after the oak forest that surrounded the castle, and the castle passed its name to the city district.
Is Dubovac Castle worth visiting in Karlovac?
It is one of the best preserved examples of feudal architecture in Croatia, according to Croatian Wikipedia, and it adds views and local history to a day in Karlovac.
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