* Restoration & preservation

In 1988 the Institute for the Preservation of Monuments from Zadar (Director Dr. Miljenko Domjan) began conservation and reconstruction works with governmental financial support, (the Ministry of Culture providing the resources). Over three consecutive years the main tower, the dungeon, the church and one of buildings were reinforced and reconstructed. The castle was completely refurbished in 1991 and proclaimed a first grade cultural monument.

Unfortunately during the War for Croatian Independence of 1991-1995 the castle was severely damaged and burnt. The complex was to some extent damaged by shelling. However, most of the damage was caused later by arson and mines, when most of the roofs and old wooden floors collapsed and/or were destroyed by the fire. Fortunately, the oldest objects, which have stone with walls up to one metre thick, tower, old medieval kitchen, and dungeon, which was recently restored and reinforced (1989) survived almost without damage. Also very importantly, the medieval church was only lightly damaged, except for the destruction and desecration of some graves in and around the church (including the grave of Vladan Desnica).

It is of great importance that a large part of the inventory, including the most important collections, was moved out of the castle in time, and was not destroyed. The whole collection of icons, the collection of medieval weapons, all or most of paintings, the ethnographic collection, many objects of fine art, the collection of old photographs, the collection of old geographic maps, most of the archaeological collection, archives and the huge library etc. evaded destruction. Parts of the inventory are now scattered in various locations, but owners are doing their best to find and keep track of different parts and ensure their safety at their temporary locations.

Since 1999 the Croatian Ministry of Culture started financing the refurbishment of the castle again, throughout the Institute for the preservation of monuments from Zadar.

Since 2006, young volunteers have helped in rebuilding the castle during summer work volunteer camps. (see Volunteer camps link)

THE PICTURES BELOW SHOW THE RESULTS OF SOME OF THE VOLUNTEER'S WORK - BEFORE AND AFTER.