Petrapilosa Castle (Croatia): The “Hairy” Guardian of the Mirna River Valley

This post is also available in: Slovenščina (Slovenian)

In the heart of northern Istria, where the Karst edge slopes into the fertile valley of the Mirna River, one of the peninsula’s most fascinating fortresses defies time on a high rocky ridge – Petrapilosa Castle. Today, the ruins are mighty but well-renovated, but once an unconquerable fortress, Petrapilosa (literally translated as “Hairy Stone”) with its location above the Bračana stream still stirs the imagination of visitors.

Why “Hairy” Castle?

Ime gradu ni plod naključja, temveč morfologije terena. Zaradi bujnega rastlinja, ki je skozi stoletja preraščalo njegove stene, so ga latinski viri poimenovali Petra Pilosa, domačini pa so mu preprosto rekli Kaštel ali Kostel. Zanimivo je, da se v znamenitem Istrskem razvodu iz leta 1325 grad že omenja pod imenom Kostel. Tudi po nedavni veliki obnovi so strokovnjaki na zidovih namerno pustili kakšen šop cvetja in trave, da grad ne bi izgubil svojega “kosmatega” značaja.

Turbulent History: From Slavs to the Gravisi Nobles

The castle’s strategic location was crucial even in ancient times, as it controlled traffic in the valley. The history of Petrapilosa is closely intertwined with the migrations of peoples and constant struggles for supremacy:

• 6th and 7th centuries: Slavs begin to penetrate Istria, which Pope Gregory I already describes with fear in his letters.
• Leto 965: Prva pomembnejša omemba, ko oglejski patriarh Rodoald podari grad poreški cerkvi, potem ko so ga “barbari in Slovani” porušili.
• Golden Age (13th century): The castle becomes the seat of the powerful German knightly family de Pietrapelosa. Their fate was often bloody – after uprisings, the brothers Carseman and Henrik were even beheaded.
• Venetian rule: In 1420, Venice took over and used the fortress to defend against the Turks.
• Družina Gravisi: Leta 1440 grad prejme Nikola Gravisi. Njegova družina je tu kraljevala neverjetnih 429 let – vse do leta 1869!

New excursion attraction: The Kulterra Project

Thanks to the European project Kulterra, the castle has undergone a complete transformation. Today, it is no longer just a pile of stones, but an interactive open-air museum that presents history in a modern way.

What awaits you during your visit?

Upon arrival, you are greeted by an imposing entrance, where the past meets the digital age. An interactive board offers all the necessary information for exploration.

Exploring the interior reveals intimate details of castle life, from medieval hygiene habits to knights who still “watch over” the rooms of the palace.

The highlight of the visit is the ascent to the highest point. Modern stairs allow safe access to views that once belonged only to the castle lords.

When darkness falls, Petrapilosa Castle transforms into something truly magical. Thoughtful lighting emphasizes every crack in the stone.

Practical information

• Lokacija: V bližini Buzeta, na poti proti Istrskim toplicam.
• Visit time: Reserve at least an hour and a half for a relaxed tour.
• Vstopnina: Informativno okoli 3–4 €.

Če vas pot zanese v bližino Buzeta, ne zamudite obiska tega “kosmatega” varuha zgodovine, ki dokazuje, da kamen preživi vse imperije.