Immerse yourself in the magnificent baroque architecture and artistic heritage of Varaždin. Explore the historic center, discover palaces and villas, and uncover the stories of the past.
Immerse yourself in the magnificent baroque architecture and artistic heritage of Varaždin. Explore the historic center, discover palaces and villas, and uncover the stories of the past.
-
Trakoscan Castle (Dvor Trakoscan) - Trakošćan was built at the end of the 13th century in the defense system of northwestern Croatia as a small observation fort to monitor the road from Ptuj to the Bednjan valley.
According to legend, Trakošćan was named after the Thracian fortress (arx Thacorum), which was supposed to have existed at the time of…
- Trakoscan Castle (Dvor Trakoscan) - Trakošćan was built at the end of the 13th century in the defense system of northwestern Croatia as a small observation fort to monitor the road from Ptuj to the Bednjan valley.
According to legend, Trakošćan was named after the Thracian fortress (arx Thacorum), which was supposed to have existed at the time of antiquity. Another preserved legend is that it was named after the Knights of Drachenstein who ruled those lands in the early Middle Ages.
The toponym Trakošćan was first mentioned in written documents in 1334.
The masters of the fortress are not known in the first centuries, we only know that from the end of the 14th century the counts of Celje were the owners who at the same time ruled the entire Zagorje county. Soon, this family became extinct and Trakoscan shared the fate of their other towns and possessions, which were being crushed, and changing various masters. In this division, Trakošćan, as a unique property, belongs first to the military commander Jan
Vitovac, then Ivanis Corvinus, who donates it to his brother Ivan Gyulay. This family
it retained the castle for three generations and became extinct in 1566 and was taken over by the state.
For the services rendered, King Maximilian granted the estate to Juraj Draskovic (1525-1587), first personally and then for hereditary enjoyment. Thus finally in 1584 Trakošćan was acquired by the Draskovic family.
During the flourishing period of the construction of castles in Hrvatsko Zagorje, in the second half of the 18th century, the Thracians abandoned. Abandoned, it began to decline rapidly, and it was not until the mid-19th century that the family became interested in their titular city again, in the spirit of a new age, and a romantic return to nature and family traditions. In this spirit, Marshal Juraj V. Draskovic transforms the city into a residential castle, and transforms the park environment into a romantic park. The following generations were occasionally resided in Trakošćan until 1944, when they moved to Austria, shortly afterwards the castle was nationalized.
In 1954 a permanent museum was established. Today the castle is owned by the Republic of Croatia.tion

- Private transportation
- Dress code is smart casual
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local licensed guide for Diocletian Palace and Split downtown
- Infant seats available
- Stroller accessible
- Private transportation
- Dress code is smart casual
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local licensed guide for Diocletian Palace and Split downtown
- Infant seats available
- Stroller accessible
Varaždin stands out for its extraordinary monumental and artistic heritage, featuring a well-preserved and stunning baroque architectural ensemble in its historic center. The city showcases its distinct urban identity not only through the magnificent Baroque architecture of the historic center but also through the inviting warmth of its harmonious…
Varaždin stands out for its extraordinary monumental and artistic heritage, featuring a well-preserved and stunning baroque architectural ensemble in its historic center. The city showcases its distinct urban identity not only through the magnificent Baroque architecture of the historic center but also through the inviting warmth of its harmonious squares and charming streets. The historic core hosts numerous events throughout the year. While a single day may not suffice to fully explore, experience, and appreciate Varaždin, it is certainly enough to fall in love at first sight.
Delight in the artistic and architectural echoes of the past
The preserved baroque urban ensemble is abundant in monumental and artistic heritage. Strolling through the city’s streets will unveil numerous palaces, villas, and the oldest town hall in Europe. It will introduce you to the residents who once defined the activities of specific trades or were the hallmark of individual craftsmen, and share captivating legends.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.