Old Town Drežnik

Located in a strategic position, the Old Town of Drežnik played a key role in defending the Frankopan estates from the Ottomans. With its position and architecture, this fortress stands as a testament to centuries of historical conflicts between Eastern and Western civilizations, while the circular defense tower is a classic example of 15th and 16th-century military architecture. Thanks to its rich history and preserved architectural elements, the Old Town of Drežnik is today the most important archaeological and architectural site in the municipality of Rakovica.

The history of the town can be divided into three architectural phases:

1. Frankopan Castle (15th and 16th centuries) – Built as a purely military fortress, this castle became an important line of defense for Croatia against the Ottoman Empire. During this phase, the circular defense tower served as the last line of defense, and the living spaces were limited to basic wooden structures within the courtyard.

2. Ottoman Fortress (1592–1788) – Under Ottoman rule, Drežnik was further fortified and expanded, with the entrance moved to the eastern side. The tower retained its dominant role, allowing the military to maintain constant surveillance of the approaches to the town.

3. Border Station (from 1788) – After being freed from the Ottomans, the fortress was adapted to provide better living conditions. The tower lost its defensive function, and a commanding officer's house was built in the courtyard to offer a more comfortable living space for the soldiers.

Today, the Old Town of Drežnik, as a monument to its rich history, offers visitors an authentic experience of an early Renaissance castle and serves as an important cultural heritage site for the study of burgology and defensive architecture.