Morosini - Grimani Castle

Morosini - Grimani Castle - Kaštel Morosini - Grimani, Svetvincenat, Istria County, Republic of Croatia.

The symbol of the town of Svetvinčenat is Morosini-Grimani Castle. The site was first mentioned in a document by Otho II in 983 as the property of the Bishop of Poreč. The first fortress on this site was built in the 13th century. During numerous attacks, the fortress was repeatedly destroyed, after which it was rebuilt, with modifications. The castle experienced its greatest development during the reign of the Morosini family. It then came under the control of the Grimani family. After a fire in 1589, the castle was rebuilt according to the designs of the renowned Italian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi in the Renaissance style.
The castle is rectangular in shape, with a palace in one corner and three towers in the others – one round and two square. The entire palace is located within the defensive walls. The main entrance to Marosini-Grimoni Castle, located on the southern façade, can be reached via a drawbridge. Above the entrance are plaques indicating the year of construction (1485) and renovation (1589), as well as the castle's coat of arms, which is also the coat of arms of the Grimani family and Svetvinčenat.
The courtyard contains a water reservoir and other utility rooms. The castle itself houses living quarters for the town administrator, an ammunition depot, apartments for 200 musketeers, and a prison.
Since 2011, a knights' festival has been held here in early August. During the festival, the town hosts a medieval fair, theatrical performances, and historical reenactments of medieval battles. Historical societies from many European countries participate in the knights' festival.