Welcome to “sancti Mauri de Bozilo,” the home of Croatian nobility; welcome to Bosiljevo! From the shade of the oldest trees, perched on the edge of a cliff, at the boundary between reality and fairy tale, the magnificent castle of the historic Bosiljevo fortress greets you. It stands proudly against all the wars and upheavals, a testament to the reputation and glory of the generations of the Frankopan family and the entire Bosiljevo community.

Not to be outdone in appearance by many famous castles from songs and distant postcards, the old town of Bosiljevo has seen better days, with golden court balls, a rich library, and some strange curse that still lingers over it today. The dragons at the entrance, the last guardians of the castle, have long since departed. On windy nights, the sound of a cello can be heard from the central tower, accompanied by the rustle of a silk ball gown on the stone staircase of the castle. You will understand all this only if you ascend that very staircase in search of the remaining secrets hidden within the stone chambers.

Bosiljevo is not just a junction on the highway to the sea. This small place between the Kupa and Dobra rivers is the birthplace of Ana Katarina Zrinski, the most significant writer of the 17th century and the most learned woman of her time. Some people are born long before their time, and their tragic fates should remind us that history is the teacher of life. We sometimes forget this. On the stone staircase of the old castle, you will understand why.

Bosiljevo is more than just an old castle, and if you are interested in history, you will find an endless array of inspirations for a journey into the past in the surrounding area. Whether you’re foraging for mushrooms or chestnuts in the wooded hills, remember that you are not the first or the only one to enjoy the riches that nature offers. Watch where you step so you don’t stumble into a stream or unwittingly find yourself in the darkness of an undiscovered cave. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to encounter the dragon from the old town inside.

And at the end of your adventure, head to Vienna. Not the Vienna in Austria. The Bosiljevo region has its own Vienna. Relax with some homemade food and tag your location on your smartphone as “Vienna.”