Castle Bosiljevo – a very important part of Croatian history

MEDIEVAL CASTLE OWNED BY FAMILY FRANKOPAN

Many beautiful castles and fortresses are located all over Croatia as a result of rich and turbulent history.

Among them is castle Bosiljevo, one of the most magical location you will visit.  Why? There is just something special about this location, almost every visitor will confirm that.

Unfortunately, this castle located over the rock, is not open for visitors, but we still recommend you go and see it from outside. The location of the castle is so beautiful, actually magical, and around the castle there is a beautiful park you can walk around.

So here are some historical facts you can find on website RootsWeb.

The first written documents in which the name Bosiljevo is mentioned is dated in 1344 AD. Later written documents are tied to the noble family of knez (prince) of Krk – Frankopan, which were owners of the Bosiljevo castle and surrounding areas.

The town (castle) of Bosiljevo was never conquered by the Turks. Its last owner of the Frankopan lineage was young and gentle poet Fran Krsto, who was born in Bosiljevo, and died tragically when he was, together with his brother-in-law Petar Zrinski, executed in Becko Novo Mjesto in 1671 A.D.

After the death of Fran Krsto Frankopan, Austria confiscated the town and king Leopold gave it, with document dated 25 May, 1684, to Viceroy count Nikola Erdedy. With the marriage of his daughter Ana Barbara to count Andrija Auersperg, he become the new owner of the town Bosiljevo. That was confirmed by king Karlo VI, with a decree of 11 November, 1717 AD.

After the death of Fran Krsto Frankopan, Austria confiscated the town and king Leopold gave it, with document dated 25 May, 1684, to Viceroy count Nikola Erdedy. With the marriage of his daughter Ana Barbara to count Andrija Auersperg, he become the new owner of the town Bosiljevo. That was confirmed by king Karlo VI, with a decree of 11 November, 1717 AD.

On 21 March, 1826, N. Auersperg sold the town of Bosiljevo to marshal Laval Nugent, of Irish origin (born in Ballynacor, 3 November, 1777). He was a great Croatian patriot and regarded Croatia as his second homeland. After the death of marshal Nugent, the town was inherited by his son Arthur, and following his death in 1897, it was bought on a public auction by Arthur’s niece, Ana Nugent on 9 August, 1902.

By the sale agreement, the property was bought from countess Nugent by Karlo Kausheg, and Makso Kmentt, and from these it was bought by the lawyer and public notary Dr. Juraj Horvat. By the sale of 9 June, 1911, the owner of Bosiljevo property became Ante Cosulich de Pecine from Susak.

He substantially restored the castle, not sparing the cost. In 1948, family Cosulich sold the castle to Marko Ukic and Ante Vlahov, but their ownership was short lived, because the communist government confiscated it shortly afterwards.

After that, the castle served some time as a retirement home, and from the beginning of the 1960’s until 1980 when it was closed, it was a restaurant and a motel. Until today the castle is still closed for public, although many visitors come to visit. Just like Gordana Markušić, the author of this amazing photos.

We hope this unique cultural heritage will restore its glory, and people will be able to see one of the most stunning castles in Croatia from the inside.

PHOTO: Gordana Markušić

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