Castle & fortressDalmatia

Gvozdansko Castle: the Zrinski fortress remembered for 1577

Gvozdansko Castle is a ruined fortress above the village of Gvozdansko in Sisak-Moslavina County, between Dvor and Glina and not far from Zrin Castle. Built by the noble Zrinski family in the second half of the 15th century, it guarded their iron mines and mint. It is remembered above all for the siege of 1577–1578, a hidden corner of Croatia's wars with the Ottomans.

For over three months in the winter of 1577–78 a garrison held this small fortress against some 10,000 Ottoman soldiers. The siege became a symbol of Croatian resistance.

WhereAbove the village of Gvozdansko, between Dvor and Glina, Sisak-Moslavina County, central Croatia

TypeRuined Zrinski fortress, second half of the 15th century

Best forMilitary history, off-the-beaten-path travel, a visit combined with Zrin Castle

Getting thereBy road in the Banovina region, on the road from Glina towards Bosanski Novi, about 14 km from Zrin Castle

The history of Gvozdansko Castle

Gvozdansko was probably built in the second half of the 15th century, in connection with the mining rights of the Croatian noble Zrinski family, and it is first mentioned in 1488. The area held several iron mines, and the Zrinski also had the right to mint coins. According to the Croatian Wikipedia, Nikola III Zrinski kept a smelter, a foundry and a mint in the fortress. He and his son Nikola Šubić Zrinski often came here to inspect the mines and the mint.

The fortress held an important place in the Croatian defensive system against the Ottomans, who by the 15th and 16th centuries were advancing almost constantly. A well-equipped garrison was stationed here permanently. On earlier occasions the defenders held out until forces of the Ban arrived to relieve them. The danger grew serious in 1556, when the nearby town of Novigrad, today's Dvor, fell to the Ottomans. Major attempts to take Gvozdansko followed in 1561, led by Malkoč-beg, in 1574 under Ferhad-beg and in 1576 under Kapidži-pasha.

The final siege, led by Ferhat-paša Sokolović with about 10,000 soldiers, lasted from 3 October 1577 to 13 January 1578. It was far better prepared than the earlier attempts and ended in an Ottoman victory after a long and costly struggle. Sources describe the entire Croatian garrison perishing in the defence.

Gvozdansko then stayed under Ottoman rule until 1718. The defence, with its determination to the last man, became a symbol of the Croatian wish for freedom and resistance to foreign conquerors. In Croatian military history it holds a special place beside the Battle of Szigeth in 1566, in which troops under Nikola Šubić Zrinski distinguished themselves.

Curiosities about Gvozdansko Castle

The castle was first mentioned in 1488, and its purpose was tied to Zrinski mining rights rather than to the border alone.
According to the Croatian Wikipedia, Nikola III Zrinski kept a smelter, a foundry and a mint inside the fortress.
The English Wikipedia reports that the Ottoman commander was stunned by the courage of the defenders he found in the ruined castle.
Croatian and German sources compare the siege's place in Croatian history to that of Masada, the Alamo and similar last stands in other nations' histories.
In the 15th and 16th centuries Croatia was reduced to what contemporaries called the “remnants of the remnants”, according to the German Wikipedia.
Ottoman rule at Gvozdansko lasted from 1578 until 1718.

Tours near Gvozdansko Castle

Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:

Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket

★ 4.2 (874 reviews) · 1 h

See details ›

Kayaking at the Mreznica Canyon

★ 4.9 (184 reviews) · 3 h

See details ›

Kayaking on Upper Mreznica River - Slunj, Croatia

★ 4.9 (184 reviews) · 3 h

See details ›

Kayaking Mrežnica river

★ 4.9 (171 reviews) · 4 h

See details ›

Visiting Gvozdansko Castle

Expect the ruins of a fortress on a hill above the village of Gvozdansko, not a restored castle. The sources give no details about what remains standing.
The village lies on the road from Glina to Bosanski Novi, about twenty kilometres from Dvor na Uni, according to the German Wikipedia.
Zrin Castle, the other great seat of the Zrinski family, lies about 14 km away and makes a natural second stop.
The siege is a sensitive chapter of Croatian history; the site deserves a quiet, respectful visit.
The sources do not give opening or access arrangements. Check the current conditions before you go.

Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.

Map: where Gvozdansko Castle is

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors

Photos of Gvozdansko Castle

Questions

Where is Gvozdansko Castle?

It stands above the village of Gvozdansko in Sisak-Moslavina County, central Croatia, between Dvor and Glina and not far from Zrin Castle.

Who built Gvozdansko Castle?

It was built by the Croatian noble Zrinski family, probably in the second half of the 15th century, and first mentioned in 1488.

What happened at Gvozdansko in 1577–1578?

Ottoman forces of about 10,000 men besieged the fortress from 3 October 1577 until 13 January 1578. The siege ended in an Ottoman victory after the garrison was lost.

Why is Gvozdansko important in Croatian history?

Its defenders' resistance to the last man made it a symbol of the Croatian desire for freedom, and it holds a special place in Croatian military history.

What did the Zrinski family do at Gvozdansko?

They owned mining rights nearby and, according to the Croatian Wikipedia, had a smelter, a foundry and a mint in the fortress.

Can you combine Gvozdansko with other sites?

Zrin Castle lies about 14 km away, and the sites of Cetin Castle and Dubovac Castle are farther afield in this guide.