Ostrožac Castle

Nestled within the tranquil landscapes of Krajina, Ostrožac stands as a captivating testament to the medieval legacy that has shaped this picturesque region. Amidst the well-preserved remnants of ancient fortresses and towns, Ostrožac emerges as a jewel, embodying a rich history of adaptation and refinement. Dating back to at least 1286, Ostrožac's historical roots run deep. While some suggest an even earlier existence around 405 BCE under names like Horosium or Hostosach, historical evidence remains elusive. Throughout the 15th century, Ostrožac thrived with its own judiciary, council, scribe, and seal. However, in 1577, the town fell under Ottoman rule, marking a shift in its narrative. Noteworthy among its custodians was Osman aga Beširević (1690 - 1727), the pioneering captain of the Ostrožac captaincy, who played a pivotal role in the fortress's repair and expansion. As the 16th century drew to a close, the captaincy housed 150 residents, a number that grew to 204 in the mid-17th century and further expanded to 266 by the 18th century, complete with two large and four small cannons for defense. Ostrožac, at the start of the 19th century, boasted an arsenal of 28 cannons and a substantial garrison of 4150 soldiers. With the advent of Austro-Hungarian rule, a new era dawned for Ostrožac. The Beširević family relinquished control to Lothar von Berks, the chief of the Bihać District from 1896 to 1905. Von Berks continued the legacy of restoration and expansion, taking up residence within the castle's walls in 1902. In 1969, a transformative initiative unfolded with the establishment of the Sculptors' Colony "Ostrožac," catalyzing a contemporary chapter for the ancient fortress. Perched above the Una River, this open-air studio has become a haven for sculptors, carving expressions from the local bihacite stone during the summer months. The legacy of the Sculptors' Colony endures in the creation of the Sculpture Park, an open-air gallery that graces Ostrožac with a unique blend of history and contemporary artistic expression. Today, Ostrožac stands not merely as a relic of the past but as a living canvas, where history, art, and nature intertwine in captivating harmony.