Formerly called the Counts of Krk, the Frankopans were, and still are, the most famous noble family that significantly impacted the political, social, economic, and cultural development of Croatia from the 12th to the 17th century.‍

The Routes of the Frankopans is a cultural and tourist route designed to lead you through more than five centuries of Croatian history preserved in the walls of castles, fortified towns, and sacral buildings distributed all over Primorje and Gorski Kotar County. The ruins they left behind stand firmly as the guardians of Frankopan's intriguing story, full of passion, conflict, conspiracies, religion, and power. ‍‍

The Routes of the Frankopans ‍

The Routes of the Frankopans include 20 historical sites distributed all over the regions of Gorski kotar, Vinodol, and the island of Krk. From castles, fortified towns, and towers to sacral complexes and monasteries. Each location has a story to tell.

Visiting the fortified town of Krk, the historical center of the island, is a must. Walk among one of the best preserved medieval fortifications on the Adriatic and experience the long-lasting history dating back to prehistoric and Roman times. The amazing stone castle with four towers was built over centuries and many generations. Its present shape was created during the Late Middle Ages, and it is so skilfully incorporated within the parameters of the roman city.

The historical adventure continues across the channel in Vinodol. Here the Frankopans arranged a system of nine cities, making Novi Vinodolski the center where their fortified residence was located. The coast was very important to Frankopans, which is reflected in the architecture they left behind. From the abandoned medieval town of Ledenice that watches over the Vinodol channel to Grobnik and the stunning Trsat fortress that dominates Rijeka bay.

Nine fortified cities were designed to control the roads leading to important seaports. Most of them are located in the hinterlands, just a short drive away from the coast. One of the most attractive ones is Castle Drivenik, situated on the hill overlooking Tribalj Lake. Once a great defender of Vinodol valley, today a meeting point for modern and medieval culture. Various festivals are held in the fortress, such as performances, concerts, and other entertainment programs. Music experience on this historical site is something you have to add to your list.

The structure of the cultural tourist route consists of eight interpretation centers available for exploration in Trsat, Grobnik, Bakar, Bribir, Krk, Čabar, Brod na Kupi, and Kraljevica. However, you cannot miss the magnificent Nova Kraljevica Castle, which holds a well-deserved title as the central Visitor center of the Frankopan route. Legend says that one of the most famous women of the Frankopan lineage, Katarina Zrinska, contributed to the beauty of the castle's decoration.

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Castles of Gorski kotar‍

The untouched nature of green forests, clean water, and fresh air attracted Frankopans to Gorski Kotar. Here, they developed trade, built roads, and exploited land, forests, and ore riches. The Route includes five estates that once belonged to the Frankopan family. One is located near Ravna Gora on the 18th-century Via Carolina road. The sight of Stara Sušica Castle makes everybody stop and take a better look. This small picturesque castle gives Harry Potter vibes and will delight even the youngest visitors.

Further east, on the hill above the Kupa river, lies the highland Severin Castle. Alongside the two-story castle is a spacious garden, which has been declared a monument of landscape architecture. The last male descendant of the Frankopan family, Fran Krsto Frankopan, was raised here. Today, the garden and the castle are taken over by the time and wild nature of Gorski Kotar. Still, it stands as a ghostly reminder of a glorious past.

The Route of the Frankopans is an excellent example of heritage preservation. It incorporates sites of crucial local history into the cultural and social life of the community. It combines the natural, cultural, educational, gastronomic, and tourist offer that connects three different regions of the County. The project's official website provides numerous materials such as photos, videos, print media, guides, the video game "Game of Frankopans," and the free mobile application" The Routes of the Frankopans," available for Android and IOS users. Everything you need to help you navigate through the area. Now, it is up to you to embark on a historical adventure and learn Croatian history.

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