- 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
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Stroller accessible
- All fees and/or taxes included
- Local licensed guide for Diocletian Palace and Split downtown
- Infant seats available
Varaždin stands out for its outstanding monumental and artistic legacy, highlighted by the well-preserved and splendidly grand baroque architecture of its historical hub. The city’s distinctive urban character is evident not just in the splendid Baroque buildings of the old town, but also in the inviting warmth of its unified squares and picturesque streets. The historical nucleus serves as the venue for numerous events throughout the year. A single day isn’t sufficient to fully explore, experience, and appreciate Varaždin, but it’s adequate for falling in love with the city at first glance.
Take in the artistic and architectural vestiges of yesteryears. The conserved baroque urban ensemble is teeming with monumental and artistic treasures. A stroll down the city streets uncovers numerous palaces, villas, and Europe’s oldest town hall, acquaints you with old-timey roommates that once symbolized specific trades or were renowned for a certain craftsman and spins a yarn of legends.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
