Ostrovica Fortress

The first mention of Ostrovica Fortress appears in the second half of the 12th century, when the Byzantine chronicler John Kinnamos listed it among the Croatian places conquered by Emperor Manuel I Komnenos. Towards the end of the 12th century, Duke Andrew II of Arpad, later the Croatian-Hungarian king, camped with his troops near it. Until 1347, the fortress belonged to the Šubić noble family. After the death of Pavao II Šubić in 1346, King Louis of Anjou took over the strategically important fortress in exchange for the Zrin dominion, to wage war against Venice. Ostrovica remained an important military stronghold, controlling the traffic routes between Siscia and Salona, as well as Knin and Zadar. In the 15th century, the fortress changed hands several times, including to the Venetians. After the fall of Bosnia to the Turks in 1463, Ostrovica was increasingly threatened and fell to the Ottomans in 1523 after fierce battles. In the 17th century, the fortress was largely destroyed during the Venetian-Ottoman wars, with only a few remains surviving.

The Ostrovica Fortress is located in the village of Ostrovica, in the Zadar County of Adriatic Croatia. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 281 meters above sea level.

Visitors can today explore the remains of Ostrovica Fortress. From the once mighty complex, parts of a stone cistern, a stone staircase, and fragments of Gothic glazed ceramics are still preserved.

• Ancient city of Varvaria (Ancient Structures), approx. 5.7 km away
• Roman city of Burnum Theater (Ancient Structures), approx. 19.0 km away
• Roman city of Burnum (Ancient Structures), approx. 19.5 km away
• City walls of Zadar (City Fortification), approx. 48.3 km away