Varazdin is a grossly underrated Croatian tourist destination. Known as “Little Vienna” among Croatians, due to its stunning Baroque character, it was actually briefly the nation’s capital, from 1756 to 1776. It was during this time that the UNESCO awarded cobblestoned, pastel-hued Old Town (though it was new at the time) was born, the highlight of which is the Castle.
A small city, it is home to around 40,000 and is located 80km away from today's capital of Zagreb so all you have to do is find a vacation rental in Zagreb and it is an easy day trip. And a perfect day trip it is. This incredible city and castle are both rather well-kept secrets and well off the beaten track. While there is little infrastructure for tourists to rely on, there is also an air of authenticity and an unhurried way of life that allows for greater appreciation of your rather picturesque surroundings. A trip to the city and castle is a little like stepping right into a fairy tale.
A small city, it is home to around 40,000 and is located 80km away from today's capital of Zagreb so all you have to do is find a vacation rental in Zagreb and it is an easy day trip. And a perfect day trip it is. This incredible city and castle are both rather well-kept secrets and well off the beaten track. While there is little infrastructure for tourists to rely on, there is also an air of authenticity and an unhurried way of life that allows for greater appreciation of your rather picturesque surroundings. A trip to the city and castle is a little like stepping right into a fairy tale.
The jewel of the stunning Stari Grad, or Old Town, is the 14th century castle, which is currently home to a collection of Varazdin artefacts dating from the Middle Ages. It is quite unlike many of its peers around Croatia. It is still, ostensibly, more about function than décor and was built as a defensive structure, rather than luxurious palace but it is actually quite whimsical; it its white-washed walls and towers topped by bright red roofs.
Begun in the 14th century, it was built over the course of four centuries, and was built and rebuilt several times in different styles. Those iconic rounded towers and the moat surrounding the building were both added in the 15th century and high walls with bastions were built in the 16th century. It became the Varaždin City Museum in the 1920s and features historic documents, glass, clock, ceramics, weapons, and the highlight is the suite of rooms furnished in several different styles and chronologically displayed starting from the Renaissance to the Baroque and Rococo to Empire.
If you are visiting Zagreb, make time to spend a day relaxing in Varazdin, wander the Old Town and explore the fairytale castle and the treasures that are held within.
Begun in the 14th century, it was built over the course of four centuries, and was built and rebuilt several times in different styles. Those iconic rounded towers and the moat surrounding the building were both added in the 15th century and high walls with bastions were built in the 16th century. It became the Varaždin City Museum in the 1920s and features historic documents, glass, clock, ceramics, weapons, and the highlight is the suite of rooms furnished in several different styles and chronologically displayed starting from the Renaissance to the Baroque and Rococo to Empire.
If you are visiting Zagreb, make time to spend a day relaxing in Varazdin, wander the Old Town and explore the fairytale castle and the treasures that are held within.
