Valamar Blog

„The Dukes of Krk“, later known as the Frankopans, are one of the most prominent Croatian noble family in history, which played an important role from the 11th to 16th century in not only part of Croatia, but larger. One can certainly say about them that they were the only family from Croatian islands who grew their influence and power within the European frame. They came from Vrbnik, and the first known member of the family was Dujam, who in 1118 made a contract with the Venetians on managing the island. The first Duke of Krk was succeeded by his sons Bartol and Vid. These two names are the most common ones among the descendants of the Dukes of Krk, from Bartol IV to Vid V. They assumed the name Frankopans, the Dukes of Krk, much later, while the symbol with two lions breaking the bread became the emblem of the family.

They gained their economic strength by increasing the citizens’ levies, and tried to strengthen the old customs and guard their rights by bringing statutes. In this way, they brought the Vinodol Law in 1288 and the Statute of Vrbnik in 1388. Rivals fought for their favor in order to gain economic strength and social prestige. The Frankopans gained enough power at this time so that no ruler could endanger them, all the way to Turkey.
They expanded their property on land, on the territory of Primorje (Littoral) and Lika, so on at the peak of their ruling; they had a territory that was big as a half of today’s Croatia.

Many historically interesting people, governors, writers and warriors, descended from the family of Frankopans. Among the more prominent ones are the Duke Bernardin Ozaljski and his son Krsto of Ozalj (1482-1527), famous fighters against the Ottoman Empire, the Venetians and the House of Habsburg, Vuk Krsto Trža?ki and his children, the writer Katarina Frankopan, married name Zrinski (1625 -1673) and the poet, translator and captain of Senj, Fran Krsto Frankopan (1643-1671), as well many others.