Castles & ruins 16: Petrapilosa, HR

 

The best view on Mirna river valley is from the cliff of Petrapilosa castle: the rock was used not only to enjoy the surroundings but to control river' trade routes.

The castle or some sort of stone fort was here since Illyrian times or maybe even from before.

What is known for sure is that in year 965 patriarch of Aquileia requested municipality of Porec to take care of the building and renew it to protect trade in the valley. At the same time town of Porec build the church of Maria Magdalena there as well. The church was famous for its frescoes – unfortunately due to several fires they did not survived.

The castle protected its defenders as the best armour protects the knight: there still could be seen twisted main entrance: it is “only one person at a time” small and murderhole above it makes easier to pour hot oil or throw stones at attackers. 

There was no one staircase: floors were connected with several stairs in different parts of the castle so each floor could be defended separately.

The keep was under siege many times, but always very hard to conquer. Around 17^th century though after yet another fire it was abandoned for good.

There is a legend on why the castle was built here: the story tells about mighty knight who fought in many wars travelling lonely through Istria. He was alone because all his comrades were slain in battles, the armies where he served were destroyed and only thanks to his combat skills he survived but become tired and devastated.

He was looking for a peaceful place to settle down and he decided to relay on his only living friend – his horse. The war horse though never felt tired until they come to the highest cliff over Mirna river. Here the horse stopped and here the knight built his castle.

The castle was named Petrapilosa – Furry stoned, because of the moss and plants growing from its walls: the knight built it to serve as a durable keep not caring for design and smoothness.

from above: Petrapilosa Istria