Petrapilosa castle in Istria is overlooking the Mirna River Valley and it’s one of the most well-preserved medieval ruins in Croatia. It might be a bit less known than some other castles in Istria, but it’s still a place of rich history and stunning views. We hope that, after reading this article and looking at the photos we made at Petrapilosa, you’ll want to visit this Croatian castle. Or even get married in it.
That’s how our story with Petrapilosa castle began. We are wedding and elopement photographers in Croatia, and we do some of our work in Istria. We got an inquiry from a couple that wants to get married in a castle in Croatia, so we started our search. Soon enough we found this unique castle, the couple liked it, and finally decided to elope in Istria. So far, we have had 2 such weddings in Istria, and Petrapilosa is one of the most unique places we have documented weddings at.
So here’s the story about Petrapilosa castle in Istria.
History of Petrapilosa We are starting with a bit of history information so you can know what awaits you, whether you choose to visit this great place in Istria.
Origin: The castle was built in the 10th century as part of the defense system of this region during the early medieval period.Name Meaning: “Petrapilosa” means “Hairy Rock” in Latin, and the name is most likely derived from the vegetation surrounding the castle.Strategic Location: This castle in Croatia was positioned to control the surrounding valley and monitor existing trade routes .Ownership: Over the centuries, the castle changed hands between various noble families and was an important stronghold of the Counts of Gorizia and the Venetian Republic .Abandonment: Petrapilosa castle was abandoned after being damaged by a fire in the 17th century, and its slow decay began.Recent Restoration: Through the efforts of locals, parts of the castle were restored , which made it possible for visitors to explore it.
What to See at This Castle Similar to other castles in Croatia, Petrapilosa is just a piece of what it once was. Even though this castle is more preserved than many other similar ones in Croatia, it’s still in ruins and only some of its pieces are restored. However, it’s still a nice place to visit and explore.
Castle Ruins: Explore the remnants of walls, towers, and courtyards , and try to imagine what it waslike to live here in the old times.Chapel of St. Mary: A small, well-preserved chapel located within the castle complex and featuring Gothic architectural elements .Panoramic Views: Petrapilosa is a place with a great view. Enjoy observing the Mirna River Valley and the surrounding Istrian countryside from the highest point of this castle.
How to Get to this Castle in Croatia Getting to Petrapilosa is not hard. You’ll be driving some narrow local roads, but these are paved and easy to navigate. There are no public bus lines that can take you to this castle so you’ll need to drive at least part of the way.
Location: Near the town of Buzet in central Istria .Access: The castle can be reached by car or on foot , with a short walk from the parking area near the castle.Nearby Attractions: Consider combining your visit to Petrapilosa castle with stops at nearby hilltop towns such as Motovun, Grožnjan, and Buje .
Why Visit Petrapilosa Castle? We suggest visiting Petrapilosa as part of the Istria road trip, through which you’ll visit more beautiful locations of the largest peninsula in Croatia.
Authentic Atmosphere: Unlike some other tourist sites in Istria, Petrapilosa Castle has a raw, uncommercialized feel .Historical Significance: The long history of this castle and its role in defending the region add to the overall experience of its ruins.Photography Opportunities: The castle’s ruins and natural surroundings are great photo backdrops . We have witnessed this on a few occasionsPeaceful Environment: This castle is rarely crowded, and it will provide you with a quiet and tranquil experience .
Before You Venture to Petrapilosa Istria , what a beautiful part of Croatia. We can’t wait to visit it again. If you are a history lover with a specific love toward medieval castles and ruins, then Petrapilosa Castle is a place for you. We suggest combining a visit to it with some other nearby attractions. This castle is not as famous as some other places in Istria, but that’s a positive thing about it because you’ll be able to enjoy peaceful moments and stunning views .
Oh, and yea, say hello to that knight in the castle.
Enjoy uncovering the secrets of Petrapilosa!
