Utvrda Belecgrad - Mediaeval stone castle - Belec

Belec or Belecgrad is mediaeval stone castle in Krapinsko-zagorska county, Croatia.
Positiioned on southern slopes of mountain Ivancica, around 580m above sea and 3km from village Belec.
When and who built this fortress is unknown but it was surely between mid 13. century and the end of 13. century.
First known masters were family Güssing and after them Grafen von Cilli, until death of Ulrik 1456.
Family Vitovic were owners until their rebellion against king Korvin.
Belec was changing owners: Brandenburg, Gyulay, Turóczy...
In 17. century, king Ferdinand II Habsburg is giving Belec to Sigismund Keglevic and Toma Mikulic. They were croatian nobles from Bosnia who fled to Hrvatsko zagorje because Ottoman invasion.
Keglevic gave his half to Mikulic, but he was stoped to enter property until death of Turcózy's widow Suzana Rattkay.
Heir of Toma Mikulic, his son Alexander was notorious as man with bad temper, accused also for murders. He was summoned before royal court but he decided to prepare his stone castle for siege.
In 1657. army of croatian ban besieged Belec. Alexander Mikulic fled throgh secret passage and wanted to escape on turkish teritory. He was killed near Dubica by turkish soldiers because of money he was carrying.
Belec was robbed. New owners were Erdödy, from 1658. and after them many noble families Auersperg, Rattkay, Matacic, Jurenic, Najsic and Rukavina. Fortress was abandoned in first half of 18. century.
Dimensions: 60m x 21m
Wall thickness: 1 - 3m

Belec was part of defense system built against mongol invasion. After that it was used as defense against Ottoman empire.
On Ivancica mountain there are many similar stone castles and the whole county of Hrvatsko zagorje is one undiscovered touristic treasure. Place in Croatia you should visit especially if you like nature, hiking, cycling, history and good food.

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