Badanj Castle Ruins

"Badanj Castle is located in the immediate vicinity of Crikvenica, on the course of the Dubračina river, and is the oldest example of medieval fortification construction in the Vinodol area. The original name of the castle, which was abandoned after a severe earthquake in the 14th century, is us unknown. After this event, part of the military probably moved to the neighboring village of Kostelj, and the town of Kotor took control of the mouth of the Dubračina river. Badanj Castle has an irregular, circular plan and includes a large main tower, in which lounges for the Military and water tanks are housed.On the winding approach path there is a substructure with several square residential buildings.The finds of ancient bricks built into the walls of Badanj indicate that the core of the castle was built in the early Byzantine period between the 4th and 4th centuries. and 6th century AD At the foot of the castle, on the left bank of Du bračina, are the ruins of the small Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the 12th century and renovated in the 15th century. Next to the church is the medieval cemetery, which was recreated in the village of Stranče after the old Croatian cemetery in Gorica was abandoned.The history of Badanj is closely connected with the legend of buried treasure guarded by a large snake. The Croatians who settled here adopted this legend from the locals. The snake as an ancient Mediterranean divine symbol and the legends of buried treasure are very common in the Crikvenica Riviera area and in Vinodol."
Source: rivieracrikvenica.com/en/burg-badanj

Great historical site with ruins of old Badanj fortress that was overlooking the whole area to Drivenik castle. Nice point to take a rest amd enjoy the views as well as some history

Beautiful old castle fortress, if you drive up the "longer loop" then the path from the road to the mountain is continuously mobile.