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Varaždin Old Town

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Varaždin Old Town (Croatia)

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The Varaždin Old Town, known as 'Stari Grad,' is the centerpiece of one of Central Europe's best-preserved Baroque urban ensembles and briefly served as the capital of Croatia in the 18th century. The castle evolved from a 12th-century medieval water fortress into an elegant Renaissance stronghold with round towers and a spacious courtyard. Under the ownership of the Erdődy noble family, it became a focal point of political and cultural life in the region. The surrounding town is characterized by its magnificent palaces, Baroque churches, and meticulously landscaped gardens, earning Varaždin the nicknames 'Baroque City' and 'City of Flowers.' The town hall is one of the oldest in Europe, reflecting a mix of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Currently, the castle houses the Varaždin City Museum, featuring extensive collections of historical furniture, weapons, and decorative arts. The city remains a bustling cultural center, most notably during the annual Špancirfest, which celebrates street art and historical heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151116202322161150
Rain mm405050528486838395716552

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Varaždin Old Town is an open historic district that can be freely explored. Individual buildings like the castle or museums have their own entry arrangements.
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Typical hours
The old town itself is accessible around the clock. Museums and the castle typically have seasonal hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed anywhere in the old town streets and squares. Inside churches and museums, flash is often prohibited.
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Time needed
A leisurely walk through the Baroque quarter takes about one to two hours. If you plan to visit museums, set aside half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the old town stroll with a visit to Varaždin Castle and the City Museum. The nearby park and cemetery church are also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The old town is a 15-minute walk from Varaždin main train station. Buses stop at the edge of the pedestrian zone; parking is limited outside the zone.
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Insider tip
Visit the old town in the morning when tourist crowds are still small. Be sure to try local specialties at one of the traditional restaurants.

Geography

Population
36,187 (2023)
Coordinates
46.30940, 16.33120

Facts

  • Varaždin was the capital of Croatia from 1767 to 1776.
  • The Stari Grad castle was converted into a Renaissance fortress in the 16th century.
  • The Erdődy family held ownership of the castle from 1607 until 1925.
  • The Varaždin Town Hall dates back to its original construction in 1523.
  • The City Museum was officially established within the castle in 1925.
  • The city center features eleven prominent Baroque church towers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Varaždin CastleVaraždin Castle<1 km · SExplore →
Kostwein VaraždinKostwein Varaždin2 km · SEExplore →
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power PlantVaraždin Hydroelectric Power Plant3 km · NWExplore →
Boxmark Leather TrnovecBoxmark Leather Trnovec5 km · EExplore →
ČakovecČakovec11 km · NEExplore →
Arboretum OpekaArboretum Opeka14 km · WExplore →
Ormož Basins Nature ReserveOrmož Basins Nature Reserve16 km · NWExplore →
Novi MarofNovi Marof16 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Varaždin Old Town (10)

Varaždin Old Castle

The castle was built in the 12th century and later remodeled in the Renaissance style.

Palača Zagrebačkog kaptola

The Palace of the Zagreb Chapter is a Baroque manor house in the historic city center.

Muzej kukaca🏛 museum

The Insect Museum displays a collection of beetles, butterflies and other arthropods.

💶

Galerija starih i novih majstora🏛 museum

The Gallery of Old and New Masters exhibits paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 20th centuries.

🕒 Tu-Fr 09:00-17:00, Sa-Su 09:00-13:00

Palača Prašinski-Sermage

Prašinski-Sermage Palace is an 18th-century noble residence with an ornate facade.

Palača Herzer🏰 castle

Herzer Palace is a 19th-century castle-like building in the center of Varaždin.

Palača Keglević🏰 castle

Keglević Palace is a Baroque urban palace once owned by the Keglević family.

Muzej andela🏛 museum

The Angel Museum collects angel figurines made from various materials and periods.

Palača Varaždinske županije

The Palace of Varaždin County is a Baroque building now serving as an administrative seat.

Palača Erdödy🏰 castle

Erdödy Palace is an 18th-century palace in Varaždin, Croatia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Varaždin to Croatia in the past?
From 1767 to 1776, Varaždin was the official capital of Croatia.
What is the 'Stari Grad' in Varaždin?
A medieval water castle that now houses the City Museum.
What major festival is held there annually?
The Špancirfest, a ten-day festival for street artists, music, and crafts in late summer.
Why is Varaždin called the 'City of Angels'?
Due to the numerous angel figures on Baroque buildings and the small Angel Museum.
Can the city be toured on foot?
Yes, the center is compact and largely pedestrianized, well-suited for walking.
Varaždin Old Town: where is it located?
Varaždin Old Town is located in Croatia.
Varaždin Old Town: what is there to see?
Highlights include Varaždin Old Castle, Palača Zagrebačkog kaptola, Muzej kukaca.
Varaždin Old Town: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Varaždin Old Town: why is it worth visiting?
The Varaždin Old Town, known as 'Stari Grad,' is the centerpiece of one of Central Europe's best-preserved Baroque urban ensembles and briefly served as the capital of Croatia in the 18th century.
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History & landmarks

Varaždin Castle — Varaždin Old Town (Croatia)
Varaždin Castle
Varaždin Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress that evolved into a Renaissance and Baroque palace.
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