Kastav Castle

Kastav Castle - Dvorac Kastav, Kastav, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Republic of Croatia.

Situated at an altitude of 365 meters above sea level, Kastav Castle has a rich and ancient history, dating back to the 2nd century, as archaeological research has shown. Many peoples have lived here: Illyrian clans, Greeks, Romans, and Visigoths. Then, in the 7th century, Croatian tribes arrived. In the Middle Ages, the castle belonged to the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Pula. Then, from 1465, it belonged to the Habsburgs, and from 1630 to 1773, it was occupied by the Jesuits. After the dissolution of their order, the castle returned to the Austro-Hungarian Crown.
The six surviving towers, the main one of which is called the Judge's Tower, are a reminder of these times. It can often be seen on Croatian postcards as one of the country's symbols. The ancient clock on the tower still keeps accurate time, a source of great pride for locals. Numerous other buildings remain on the castle grounds, including one from the 15th century, which houses an interesting hotel called "Kukareku."
It was at Kastav Castle that the first school in Southern Dalmatia was opened in 1770.