Nova Kraljevica: The Story of a Zrinski Palace

A Royal Legacy: The Enduring Grandeur of Nova Kraljevica Castle

Nova Kraljevica Castle, also known as Novi grad Zrinskih, stands as a prominent landmark on a cape at the southern entrance to Bakar Bay. Its impressive appearance and historical connection to the influential Zrinski family have long captured the attention of historians and visitors alike. This magnificent structure, built as a residential palace rather than a defensive fortress, showcases the comfortable and sophisticated lifestyle of the Croatian nobility in the 17th century. The castle’s design, featuring four wings around a central arcaded courtyard and four large corner towers, is a classic example of Renaissance architecture.

The Zrinski Era: A “Magnificent and Expensive” Creation

The story of Nova Kraljevica begins in 1650 when Petar Zrinski, having acquired the Primorje region with Kraljevica, initiated the construction of a new castle. Completed by 1653, the castle was described by contemporaries as a “magnificent and expensive work” built from the ground up and “very lavishly decorated with various statues, doors and marble floors”. This was to be a place of comfortable living, a true residential palace. The residential quarters were located in the western part of the first floor, featuring luxurious elements like portals and a fireplace made of polished black marble. Tragically, the Zrinski family’s enjoyment of their grand residence was short-lived, lasting only about two decades before the Zrinski-Frankopan conspiracy led to the confiscation of their estates in 1671.

Centuries of Transformation: From Barracks to a Place of Learning

Following the Zrinski’s departure, Nova Kraljevica Castle underwent numerous transformations to serve various public and military functions over hundreds of years. In the early 18th century, it was repurposed for military use, and fortifications were planned, though it’s uncertain if they were fully realized. The castle later served as a hospital for “Škrljevo disease” until 1859. A major renovation occurred in 1883 when the Venetian Jesuit province purchased the castle and converted it into a seminary. This renovation included the addition of a second story and crenelated tops to the towers in the historicist style. In the 20th century, it was adapted for use as a teacher’s school, further altering its layout.

Architectural and Interior Splendor

Despite the many alterations, the castle’s original 17th-century spatial organization is largely preserved, especially after later partitions were removed. The design features a four-winged layout with corner towers surrounding an arcaded courtyard. The ground floor had vaulted ceilings in many areas, while the upper floors mostly had flat plastered ceilings. The courtyard itself was paved with black and white marble. The interior was once opulently furnished with items such as four black marble tables, walnut and leather chairs, beautiful mirrors, and numerous art pieces, including nine marble sculptures of Roman emperors and two of Ethiopians. Five portals of polished black marble are still preserved, hinting at the original splendor.

Nova Kraljevica Today: A Cultural Jewel

Today, Nova Kraljevica Castle has been revitalized as a visitor and interpretation center within the “Putovima Frankopana” (The Routes of the Frankopans) cultural and tourist route. This project has breathed new life into the historic structure, allowing it to once again showcase the rich heritage of the Frankopan and Zrinski families. The castle now serves as a central point for exploring this significant period of Croatian history, offering a modern and interactive experience for visitors.

Date of visit: 31.05.2025

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Aerial view Nova Kraljevica Castle

Courtyard in front of the castle

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