Medvedgrad: the medieval “Bear Castle” above Zagreb
Medvedgrad (“Bear Castle”) is a medieval fortified castle about 10 km north of Zagreb, on the south slopes of Medvednica, halfway to the summit of Sljeme. It sits on the hill of Mali Plazur, more than 500 m above sea level, and its high main tower can be seen from far away. It is one of the best places for a view over the capital.
Medvedgrad was built because Zagreb had been burned to the ground by the Mongols in 1242. Roughly 150 owners later, it still watches over the city from the slopes of Medvednica.
The history of Medvedgrad
The hillside had been inhabited since prehistoric times, and its position gave good control of the roads towards Slavonia and Turopolje. The castle itself dates from the 13th century. In 1242 the Mongols invaded and burned Zagreb to the ground, and the shock led to the building of a fortress in the hills. According to the traditional account, Philip, bishop of Zagreb, built Medvedgrad between 1249 and 1254, encouraged by Pope Innocent IV, to defend the bishop's estates and the Kaptol. It was paid for by the diocese even though it stood on royal land. The historian Nada Klaić argued instead that a castle already existed before the Mongol attack, and the question of who built it remains debated.
By 1262 King Béla IV had taken it over, and it later belonged to the bans of Slavonia. The poet and humanist Janus Pannonius died here on 27 March 1472, and Ivan Karlović, Ban of Croatia, died here in 1531. Over the centuries Medvedgrad had around 150 owners, among them King Sigismund of Luxembourg, King Matthias Corvinus, the Counts of Celje and the Babonić, Zrinski and Erdődy families.
The Gregorijanec family acquired the castle in 1562 and were its last residents. They reinforced the walls in 1574, but after the earthquake of 1590 the castle was heavily damaged and the owners moved to Šestine. It decayed into ruins and stayed that way into the 20th century. After the Second World War ownership was taken from the Kulmer family, the last owners.
Restoration began in 1973 and became more intensive from 1993. Today Medvedgrad has an early Gothic chapel of Saints Philip and James, and below its main tower stands the Altar of the Homeland, a memorial to Croatian soldiers killed in the Croatian War of Independence. The altar was made by the sculptor Kuzma Kovačić and was opened by President Franjo Tuđman on 30 May 1994.
Curiosities about Medvedgrad
- The name combines medved, the Kajkavian form of “bear”, and grad, which once meant a fortified castle rather than a town. The name Arx ursina appears only at the end of the 17th century.
- Medvedgrad is said to have changed hands about 150 times, and its owners included kings, counts, bishops and many nobles.
- Legend links the castle to Barbara of Celje, the “Black Queen”, who is said to have hidden a great treasure guarded by a snake in tunnels between Medvedgrad, Kaptol and Grič.
- Another tale credits the Black Queen with creating the Plitvice Lakes during a drought; more plausibly she is connected with Kraljičin zdenac, the Queen's Well, a spring and hiking junction on the mountain.
- In the same legends Barbara did not end her days in Medvedgrad but was buried alive at Veliki Tabor in Hrvatsko Zagorje, where her cries are said to be heard still.
- Together with the view from the Sljeme cable car, Medvedgrad is described as one of the best places to see Zagreb at night.
Tours near Medvedgrad
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting Medvedgrad
- Look for the early Gothic chapel of Saints Philip and James inside the castle and for the high main tower, which can be seen from far across the city.
- The Altar of the Homeland below the tower is a place of remembrance for fallen Croatian soldiers, and visitors are expected to behave quietly and respectfully there.
- The view over Zagreb is the main reward, and it is especially popular at night. Check the current opening hours before you go.
- The castle lies on Medvednica, so it combines naturally with a walk in the mountain's forests. The sources do not describe the paths, so ask locally about the routes.
- The Zagreb TV Tower, Mirogoj Cemetery and the Tomb of the People's Heroes are all within about 5 km.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Medvedgrad is
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Photos of Medvedgrad
Questions
Where is Medvedgrad and how far is it from Zagreb?
Medvedgrad stands on the south slopes of Medvednica, about 10 km north of the centre of Zagreb, roughly halfway to the summit of Sljeme.
Who built Medvedgrad and when?
Tradition says Philip, bishop of Zagreb, built it between 1249 and 1254 after the Mongol invasion of 1242. Some historians, such as Nada Klaić, suggest it existed earlier.
What does Medvedgrad mean?
The name means “Bear Castle” or “Beartown”, from medved, the Kajkavian word for bear, and grad, which once meant a fortified castle.
What is the Altar of the Homeland at Medvedgrad?
It is a memorial below the main tower to Croatian soldiers who died in the Croatian War of Independence. It was opened on 30 May 1994.
Who was the Black Queen of Medvedgrad?
Barbara of Celje, a 15th-century noblewoman nicknamed the Black Queen, is the heroine of the best-known legends of Medvedgrad.
Is Medvedgrad worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a medieval castle with a view over Zagreb, a chapel, a memorial and a setting on Medvednica, all close to the capital.
Also nearby
Zagreb TV Tower
Sljeme · 169 m concrete tower watching over Zagreb
3.5 km away
Mirogoj Cemetery
Zagreb · arcades, domes and the 'Croatian Pantheon'
5 km away
Tomb of the People's Heroes, Zagreb
Zagreb · Yugoslav-era memorial tomb at Mirogoj cemetery
5.5 km away
Stone Gate
Zagreb · last medieval gate and a candlelit shrine to Mary
6.5 km away