The Frankopans: The history of the most powerful family of the island of Krk

The Most Famous Family of the Island: The Dukes of Krk – the Frankopans (1115–1480)

The Dukes of Krk, who shaped over 350 years of Krk’s history, emerged in the early 12th century when Venetian dominance over Krk began. From 1428, they bore the surname Frankopan (Frankapan).

Origin is still a mystery

The origins of the Frankopans remain unclear. They may have descended from the castle of Vrbnik or the nearby fortresses of St Maurus and Rogoznik, as reported by Antun Vinciguerra in 1489, or they might trace their lineage to the Roman Frangipani/Frangepani family. Regardless, they seamlessly integrated into the local fabric, becoming defenders of Croatian interests and values.

First Frankopan: Dujam and his sons

The first among them, Dujam (1118–1163), received the island as a fief from the Venetian Doge as a vassal. This arrangement aimed to stabilise and make Krk more beneficial to Venice, bridging the gap between the old Roman city of Krk and Croatian castles. Duke Dujam is first mentioned in 1133 at a meeting in the bishop’s court, attended by Bishop Dominik and city judges. The meeting addressed the reconstruction of city walls damaged during a pirate attack and the collection of funds for this purpose.

Dujam was succeeded by his sons from his first marriage, Bartol and Vid, under the same conditions and with the same rights and obligations as their father, with the stipulation that upon the death of one brother, the other would remain the ruler until his own death. They ruled the island for approximately 30 years. The clearest indication of their authority, care, and desire to establish a well-organised principality is the construction of the city courthouse on Kamplin Square, which the brothers built in 1191 in collaboration with the municipality of Krk. During their era, the cathedral was expanded, and the Church of St Quirinus was constructed, with references to a bishop’s chapel but also serving as a palatine chapel for the local rulers. From this chapel, their successors would be able to observe liturgical services in the cathedral.

Ivan V and Nikola IV

Over time, the Dukes of Krk expanded their estates and power to the mainland, including Vinodol, Senj, Modruš, Lika, and Kordun. They played a significant role in broader Croatian territories. Ivan V (?-1393) became the Ban of Croatia in 1392, and his son Nikola IV (1360–1432), also a Ban, marked the peak of Frankopan power. During Nikola IV’s audience with Pope Martin V in Rome around 1428, the Pope acknowledged their connection to the Roman Frangipani lineage, granting them a new surname and coat of arms. This demonstrates that Nikola IV shared the worldview of many European princes and dukes of his time, who, influenced by the spirit of Humanism and the emerging Renaissance, sought to trace their roots to the distant past, drawing inspiration from great figures of antiquity. Under his rule, the construction of the polygonal tower on the coast, a defensive outpost near the main city gates, was completed.

The Last Frankopan – Ivan VII

The final thirty years of Frankopan rule on Krk were marked by Ivan VII (1451–1480), who strengthened alliances with Venice. Known as a great patron, he supported many churches and monasteries on Krk, evident from family coats of arms in the Frankopan Chapel at the cathedral and the Franciscan church on Košljun. Thanks to his efforts, a magnificent silver altarpiece featuring twenty-six gilded reliefs of saints arranged in two tiers was commissioned for the cathedral’s main altar, created during the prince’s lifetime by Paulus Koler. It is now preserved in the Cathedral Treasury located in the Church of St Quirinus.

The Extinction of the Frankopan Line

Ivan’s lineage ended with the death of his daughter Katarina, who was buried in the church on Košljun. Other branches of this family, which held estates on the mainland, played a pivotal role in early modern Croatian history until the tragic events of 1671. That year marked the end of the Frankopan name in Croatian territories with the execution of Fran Krsto Frankopan and Petar Zrinski in Wiener Neustadt.

Venetian Republic: The Successor to the Frankopans on Krk

In 1480, the city and island of Krk came under the control of the Venetian Republic. The removal of the Frankopans from the island of Krk, shortly after Venice seized control, marked the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Dukes of Krk, who had shaped the island’s history since the early decades of the 12th century. The Frankopans left an indelible mark, bringing Krk a period of splendour, the influence of northern art through Gothic style, economic strength, and independence. Moreover, they preserved ancient traditions and customs, most notably the Glagolitic script and the Croatian language.