Samobor Castle

Samobor, Croatia

Samobor Castle was built on a hill above the crossroads of then important routes in the northwestern corner of the Sava valley, above the medieval market town of Samobor. The castle was erected by the supporters of Czech king, Ottokar II of Bohemia, between 1260 and 1264, who was then in a war with Hungarian king Stephen V. Croatian-Hungarian forces under command of duke of Okić soon retook the castle, for which he was granted the city of Samobor, as well as the privilege to collect local taxes.

The fortification was originally a stone fortress built on solid rock - in an irregular and indented layout, which consists of three parts, out of which the central core represents the oldest part of the castle. In the southeastern part of the core there was a high guard tower (nowadays in ruins), which is the only remaining original part of Ottokar castle. Just next to the guard tower lies a semicircular tower with a small gothic chapel of St. Ana which is estimated to be built in third decade of the 16th century.

In the third decade of the 16th century, reshaping of a castle begint which was done by a gradual expansion of the core towards the north. The fortification thus became an elongated trapezoidal courtyard surrounded by a strong defensive wall and with a pentagonal tower on its ends. Throughout 17th and 18th century, the castle was upgraded and reconstructed. The last building inside the fortress was a three-storey house on its southern side, which along with castle's upper parts forms a courtyard. Its facades are divided by Tuscan columned porches, and its interior is rich with the equipment. This move transformed a castle from its original fortificational function into a countryside baroque styled castle. Last residents left the castle in the end of the 18th century, which triggered the gradual castle's decadence into a shape that it is today.

Nowadays, Samobor Castle is just a picturesque ruin above Vugrinščak creek in Samobor city centre. Even though a project of castle restoration exists, only the chapel walls were renovated so far. In its restoration, the stones of the ruined castle parts, cement and slaked lime were used.

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Founded: 1260
Category: Castles and fortifications in Croatia

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User Reviews

Diego Salas (9 months ago)
Cool abandoned castle on a hill overlooking Samobor. The hike up is pretty easy and you are rewarded with nice views of town as well as some exploring of the ruins. The road to get to the start of the trail is closed so you can either park in town and walk over or drive around which takes around 15 mins.
lubieimbir (11 months ago)
These walls could tell a thousand tales.. The structure bears witness to this lovely town's past grandeur and significance. Owing to the ruin's hilltop location, there is an outstanding vantage point of Samobor and the surrounding area.
mert gürcan (11 months ago)
It is a very beautiful place with its nature and view, but the inside of the castle is very dirty. Let me add the road very steeply.
Miles Macdonald (18 months ago)
Very steep and narrow path to get up here, I wouldn't recommend for families with young children or the elderly. It's a shame they aren't keeping the site clear of undergrowth, but at the same time it gives these ruins an added sense of age and abandonment. The walls and trees prevent good views back towards the town but you do have a good view in the opposite direction, West, towards the Samobor mountains.
Diane J (21 months ago)
Very impressive ruins! It is quite a steep hike up but is not far. The path is clear, but steep and slippery in spots, so you need the right shoes. Someone wrote that you could take a stroller up, but I would say that the path (at least the path we found) was WAY too steep for a stroller. Well worth the hike up!!!!
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