Castle of Draganić-Vrančić family Pirovac

Pirovac is a small town on the Croatian coast, known for its diverse tourist offer, the vicinity of the National Parks of Kornati and Krka, and the magical beaches in the cobbled bays at the foot of the sumptuous pine trees. It is less known that Pirovac is followed by the rich history and that the area of this town once was home to the number of Sibenik`s nobility and other prominent persons of the past centuries. Petar Draganić built the walls of Pirovac fortress in the 15th century on the islet in front of the village to protect it from the Turks. Draganić family had arrived in Pirovac in 1503 when they bought the estate from the noble family Mišić. Petar Draganić equipped the fort with sacred and secular buildings and restored the mansion of the Mišić family, known today as the Castle of Draganić-Vrančić. Draganić becomes Draganić-Vrančić, with the last descendant of Vrančić family who died in the 18th century. When we say family Vrančić, it is the same family that gave Antun Vrančić and later his nephew Faust (1551-1617), a famous inventor, linguist, scientist, polyhistor, known under the name Homo Universalis. Faust is best known for the sketch of the Homo Volans parachute, which is the most similar to the parachute as we know it today. Although he died in Venice, Faust was buried on the nearby island of Prvic at his own last will. The last Faust's will was preserved right here at the Castle of the Draganić-Vrančić family in Pirovac, and besides the valuable revelation, there was also Tizian's portrait of Faust, the valuable documents of European rulers, a correspondent of the nobility of the era, and many other highly valuable historical objects. If you have found an accommodation in Pirovac, find time to visit the Castle or perhaps even for a boat trip to Prvić Island, following the wonders of Faustus Vrančić's journey and the inspirational islands of the Mediterranean.