Possert Castle: medieval ruins and a viewpoint near Paz

Updated October 13, 2026.

You can explore the conserved ruins of Possert Castle near Paz. A staircase leads to a viewpoint overlooking nearby Belaj Castle.

Possert, also known as Šabec, stands on a hill in the municipality of Cerovlje. A residential building, or palas, and an enclosed courtyard occupied the small space beside the square tower. This complex dates from the mid-15th century. On its western side, archaeologists found the remains of a smaller building from the preceding century.

Defence and daily life within the walls

Steep slopes protected the fortress on three sides, while a six-metre-wide moat secured the northern side. Large windows in the remains of the residential wing once let daylight into the rooms. Traces of latrines survive on the tower, one of the few comforts in this cramped noble residence.

The estate belonged to the lords of Kožljak: first the Guteneck family, then the Moyses family and, from 1529, the Barbo family. The fortress was probably damaged and abandoned in the early 17th century, during the Uskok War. The Barbos then built Belaj Castle nearby. The polymath Johann Weichard Valvasor depicted Possert as a ruin in 1689.

Visiting the conserved ruins

The Croatian Conservation Institute carried out research and conservation work between 2007 and 2016. The project included strengthening the walls and partial reconstruction of the surviving complex. Visitors now walk through the conserved remains, with a staircase providing access to the viewpoint. From there, you can see two residences from different periods that belonged to the same noble family.

Beside the fortress are benches and information panels in Croatian and English.

Entrance: free

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