​Varaždin Old Town

Varaždin Old Town is a fortress located on the northwest edge of the Varaždin city center. It is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Croatia, and you will easily notice the impressive structure surrounded by moats and a park if you book accommodation in Varaždin and take a stroll through this beautiful Baroque city. Today, the City Museum of Varaždin is housed in the fortress. The Varaždin Old Town was first mentioned in the 12th century. In the late 14th century, it became the property of the Counts of Celje, who reconstructed it in the Gothic style. The fortress was renovated in the 16th century, acquiring its present Renaissance appearance. In 1544, the construction of walls with round towers, ramparts, and a moat filled with water made it a characteristic type of fortress - Wasserburg. At the end of that century, the Varaždin fortress permanently passed into the possession of the Erdody family, who, through minor adaptations, endowed the Old Town with a Baroque style. In 1925, the fortress became the property of the City of Varaždin. Today, it is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Varaždin and a popular gathering place for citizens and tourists.