Brinje

Brinje is a Lika settlement beside the A1 motorway whose defining landmark is Sokolac Castle, a medieval Frankopan stronghold on a hill in the centre of the village. Within the castle, the late-14th-century Gothic Chapel of the Holy Trinity stands out; the Municipality of Brinje describes it as the best-preserved castle chapel in Croatia. Sokolac was historically an important seat of the Counts of Krk, later the Frankopans, and hosted several European rulers. In the centre of Brinje there is also a stone bridge on the historic Josephina road from 1801, complete with a sundial, while a monument to the famous Brinje miners preserves another layer of local identity. Brinje is not a conventional resort but an excellent short historical and scenic stop between inland Croatia and the Adriatic. The wider area suits driving and walking, while Sokolac alone justifies a stop of one to several hours.