Trsat Castle

Trsat Castle (Trsatski kaštel) is a hilltop fortress on Trsat hill above the Rječina gorge in Rijeka, Croatia. The Frankopan family built the present castle in the 13th century to protect their lands in the Vinodol; an older rampart (Darsata) and the Roman fort Tarsatica are thought to have stood on the same spot.

After losing its military importance the complex fell into decay, a process accelerated by an earthquake in 1750. In the early 19th century (1824 or 1826, depending on the source) Field Marshal Laval Nugent bought the castle and had it restored; his family mausoleum, in ancient Greek style, is flanked by two basilisks. The courtyard is now a restaurant, and in summer there are concerts and theatre performances.

Right beside it stands the shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, an important pilgrimage destination; Franciscans have run the friary since 1468. On foot, a staircase of 561 steps climbs from the bank of the Rječina (other sources say 538), its lower part built by Petar Kružić from 1531. At the top you are rewarded with views over the Rječina valley, the harbour, the Adriatic and the island of Krk; check opening hours and admission ahead.