Frankopanski Krk Castle

Frankopanski Krk Castle - Kaštel Frankopanski Krk, Krk, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Republic of Croatia.

Frankopan Castle, built by the Counts of Krk between the 12th and 15th centuries, acquired its current appearance in the late Middle Ages. It is skillfully integrated into the fortifications of the old Roman city and consists of four towers, walls, and a spacious courtyard where soldiers and citizens hid in times of danger.
Dominating the towers is the so-called courthouse. This square tower was originally built as a tower for Krk Cathedral, but was later incorporated into the fortifications. Frescoes have been found in the layers of its walls, so it is quite possible that the space was also used for religious ceremonies and later became a courthouse. Above the gate is an inscription: "This is the work of the entire community in the year of the Lord 1191." The tower's ground floor currently houses the oldest monument inscribed with the name of the city of Krk from the fourth century AD, while on the second floor you can study the genealogy of the Frankopans and see clothing from that era.
The second tower is called the Round or "Venetian" tower because it was restored during the Venetian period, and in 1500 the Venetians added a memorial plaque with the lion of St. Mark and the inscription "Aureae Venetorum libertati" ("Sacred Venetian freedom"). This inscription is still visible on the tower's exterior. On the inside, the tower has cannon niches facing the city—this is how the Venetians protected themselves from their own vassals. Currently, the ground floor of the Round Tower houses an exhibition offering a cultural and historical overview of the founding of the city of Krk. Climbing to the second floor leads to the castle walls, where a beautiful panoramic view opens up. View.
The Austrian Tower was restored during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From then on, it served as a guard and observation post. It also housed living quarters for military leaders.
The castle walls were adapted for patrolling, with loopholes covered with special shields to protect archers. A large reservoir was installed for storing drinking water. There were also two exits in the south and west of the fortress for supplying provisions.
Today, Frankopan Castle in Krk is one of the most important monuments to the Frankopan family, one of the most influential families in Croatian history from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The fortress currently houses an exhibition hall.