Stari grad Modruš

Ruins of medieval castle abandoned in the 15th century after ottoman invasion. Path is quite steep but it is not hard to get up there. View from the top is amazing.

Stari Grad Modruš, located in Croatia, is a historic castle with a rich history and significance in the Ottoman defense and modern European history. The castle, situated near the town of Modruš, has witnessed centuries of cultural and political shifts.

Historically, Stari Grad Modruš played a crucial role in the Ottoman-Habsburg wars during the 16th and 17th centuries. As a strategically positioned fortress, it served as a defense stronghold against Ottoman invasions into the region. The castle stood as a symbol of resistance and protection for the local population against Ottoman forces.

Sadly, the condition of Stari Grad Modruš today is abysmal, reflecting a lack of maintenance and care. It is disheartening to see such a significant heritage site in a state of ruin. The Croatian government and its people should take responsibility for preserving their historical legacy and be proud of their own history. Neglecting the maintenance of this castle signifies a disconnection from their cultural heritage and an unfortunate disregard for the importance of preserving historical landmarks.

The path to the castle, which partially traverses a local graveyard, is in a state of disrepair. It is difficult to locate due to the absence of signs or proper maintenance over an extended period. The lack of attention to this path, which leads to an important historical site, further adds to the neglect.

Upon reaching the castle, one would observe its dilapidated state. The ruins stand as remnants of a glorious past, with only a few construction materials and a ruined scaffold attempting to support its last standing arch. The castle's decay symbolizes the fading echoes of history and the urgent need for restoration.

To make matters worse, there are no nearby stores or tourist points providing information about the castle or the surrounding area. This lack of infrastructure deprives visitors of the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of Stari Grad Modruš and engage with the local heritage.

It is essential for the Croatian government and its people to recognize the importance of preserving Stari Grad Modruš and other historical sites. These landmarks not only hold cultural value but also attract tourists and contribute to the local economy. By neglecting their heritage, Croatia risks losing a part of its identity and potential revenue from cultural tourism.

A comprehensive approach that involves proper restoration, maintaining access paths, and establishing visitor information points is necessary to breathe life back into Stari Grad Modruš. It is time for the Croatian government and its people to prioritize the preservation and promotion of their historical treasures, embracing their history with pride and ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Founded in the 12th century (just like Berlin), it was home to many generations, defended against the attacks of many armies, was under the rule of Frankopans, witnessed the changes of government in Croatia for centuries. Today, almost after nine century, it is surrounded by bushes, trees and tall grass, home to wild animals. Forgotten. A sad example of the cruelty of time and fate. It is difficult to get to the fort since there is no trail marking, if there is a trail it is not maintained. 5 stars for a fort that still stands in its ruined state...
... Eto šta je život kako miša karte...

Few ruins on the peak of a steep, conical hill can only give a hint of all the interesting stories and facts about this place. Visible walls are the remains of a large castle called Tržan, which was connected with the buildings and houses at the bottom of the hill, alltogether forming the old city of Modruš. This town was at it's peak from 10th to 15th century, being the centre of Croatia's political power and merchandise at the time. The narrow paved road that goes next to it nowadays was the main medieval connection of Croatian coast and mainland. Interesting drawings of the town at that time can be found on internet.
So why is this rubble of rocks on a prominent hilltop interesting today? The state of the ruins is just to cry about, despite some conservation works that have been done. Regarding it's history I think this place deserves much more attention and care. The hike to the ruins is short, steep and rewarded with a great 360-degree view in which the southern face of Klek mountain dominates. The whole Ogulin-Plaški valley and the modern highway are just beneath the feet. To the northeast, Žumberačko gorje with Trdinov vrh, Samoborsko gorje and Medvednica with Zagreb are easily recognized. Even the Monument building on Petrova gora can be seen, as well as (to the southeast) the highest peak in the area - Lička Plješivica with it's abandoned army base.
It's also important to mention the church at the base of the hill, with nicely built surroundings, trees and ancient but functional well and basins that collect the water from the hill.

The part of the history of Croatia and of this region especially. It is easy to come very close and then climb about 150 meters to the top. Beautiful view from top. Car can be parked in front of the small church. Overall not far from the highway, about 10 kilometers or less to this place. Recommend.

Great historical place

Veryi important hostorical landmark, unfortunatelly forgotten and not maintained....

Beautyful

Ostaci starog grada Modruša...Tržan-grad, srednjovjekovna tvrđava na strmom brijegu ponad utvrđenog grada Modruša na istočnim obroncima Velike Kapele, nekad (od 11. stoljeća) upravno sjedište prostrane Modruške županije, a danas ruševina u južnom dijelu Karlovačke županije. Uspon i vrhunac dosegao je u 14. i 15. stoljeću, kada su u njemu stolovali članovi moćne hrvatske kneževske obitelji Frankopan, i kada je bio biskupsko sjedište
Pogled koji se proseže s vrha brda, sa samog grada... veličanstven 🥰

Usred "ničega" u srcu Like nabasali na stari grad Modruš. Slučajno smo fulali put i do gore na vrh brda penjali se strminama i četveronoške 🤭🤭 kad smo se popeli vidjeli smo da s druge strane ima normalniji put za uspon.
Unatoč tome, kad se popnete gore, pogled je maloreći predivan.

Tvrđava iz 15.stoljeća i dalje stoji, naravno u ruševinama, ali tko voli povijest, ovdje će se pronaći ☺

오르고자 했지만, 길을 찾지 못해 등반하지 못해서 아쉬움이 가득했던 Modruš 입니다. 여기서 오르다 도저히 어려워 미끄럼틀 타듯 내려와 바지가 더러워진 추억이 있어요. 다른 분들의 후기를 참조하여 올바른 루트를 찾아 좋은 여행이 되길 바래요!

Srednjovjekovna tvrđa vrijedna pažnje u derutnom stanju. Povoljna okolnost je što su prastare zidine donekle zaštićene filcom i potpornim stupovima. To je valjda znak da će se netko u dogledno vrijeme pobrinuti za nju. Na sve strane svijeta pruža se prekrasan pogled.

Zgodno za vidjeti.

Isplati se popeti na vrh brda. Prekrasan pogled.

Pristupni put je dobar, pogledi čarobni, lijepo.

Na staroj cesti,JOZEFINA,u selu Modruš nalazi se utvrda Frankopana.Vrijedi zastati i popeti se na stožasti vrh na kojem je stari grad. Uspon nije zahtjevan.

Povijesno mjesto,mirno,lijepi vidici naokolo.
10 minuta uspona do stare gradine iz,čini mi se 11 stoljeća.

Iako nije mnogo ostalo od gradine vrijedi obići, ako ništa onda zbog pogleda.

Povijesno mjesto s prekraanom prirodom i odličnim pogledom u svim pravcima koji oduzima dah i oduševljava.

Planinarski i turistički zanimljivo mjesto. Uspon do grada strm ali vrijedi.