Petrapilosa: Istria’s Whispering Ruins

The “Hairy Castle” Above the Mirna

Perched dramatically on a cliff 119 meters above sea level, overlooking the Bračana river valley near Buzet, lie the impressive ruins of Petrapilosa Castle. Known locally as Kostel or Kosmati Kaštel (“Hairy Castle”), its name likely stems from the dense vegetation or moss that historically adorned its walls, or perhaps the morphology of the location itself. This medieval fortress is one of Istria’s best-preserved Gothic castles, second in size only to Pazin Castle. Its strategic position allowed centuries of control over the river and land routes through the Mirna valley.

Echoes of Centuries Past

First mentioned in written sources in the 10th century as ‘Ruin’, Petrapilosa has witnessed a tumultuous history. Initially a prehistoric hillfort, archaeological finds confirm settlement during the Bronze and Iron Ages. From 1208 until 1420, it was under the dominion of the Aquileian Patriarchs, often managed by feudal families like the de Petrapilosa, who took their name from the castle itself. The Venetian Republic took control in the early 15th century, sending the famed commander Taddeo d’Este to capture it.

From Feudal Lords to Venetian Rule

In 1440, the Venetian Doge granted the castle and its extensive lands (comprising 12 villages) as a “perpetual fief” to the nobleman Nicola Gravisi from Piran. The Gravisi family, whose coat of arms featured a dragon, remained lords of Petrapilosa until the 19th century. Though legends speak of betrayals and fortunes lost at cards within its walls, the castle itself was never completely destroyed by invaders. However, a significant fire in the 17th century led to its gradual abandonment, although the chapel remained in use until 1793.

Architecture and Defense

Petrapilosa’s structure follows the contours of the cliff. It comprises of residential buildings, a main polygonal tower, and the Romanesque Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, likely dating from the 13th century. The castle was heavily fortified with walls and courtyards, particularly on its accessible western side. A notable feature is a well-preserved stone latrine built into the western wall above the cliff, a symbol of relative comfort for its time. The main tower and walls largely survive to their original height.

Petrapilosa Reawakened

Once left to crumble for nearly 300 years, Petrapilosa has recently undergone significant restoration as part of the KulTERRA project. Visitors can now explore the ruins, climb the refurbished tower for panoramic views of the Mirna Valley, and engage with multimedia presentations within the chapel and tower, including an animated knight. The restoration aims to showcase the castle’s rich history and integrate it into Istria’s cultural tourism landscape.

Date of visit: 08.03.2025

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Aerial view of Petrapilosa Castle

Outer courtyard

Inner courtyard

Tower courtyard