Varazdin - the city of baroque and good emotions

Imagine a city of peaceful and serene streets, a city of positive emotions, a city which managed to preserve its medieval look, a city in which, when you're walking down the street, got a feeling that you have returned back to the past, in era of baroque…

This is Varazdin – the city in northwestern Croatia, on the Drava river. Because of its strong connection with baroque times, Varazdin is often referred as “the city of baroque”. Nowhere else in Croatia you will find so much of baroque as in Varazdin. The Old Town castle, palaces, churches, streets, street lights – everything is reminding us of that lavish historical time.

According to archeological findings, the city area was inhabited already in Roman times. However, the first official mention of Varazdin was found in the document of King Bela III from 12th century. In 18th century Varazdin was the capital of Croatia; until 1776 when a big fire destroyed ¾ of the city.

The main landmark of Varazdin is the castle known as The Old Town. It is located in the northwest section of the city core. The castle was mentioned in 12th century for the first time. It is interesting that over the centuries the castle has been rebuilt in different styles, from Gothic palace and Renaissance fortification to Baroque structure what is today. The Old Town castle is operating as a museum today and is open for visitors.

Varazdin had its architectural boom during baroque period. Many churches, monasteries and palaces were built in that period. One of the most known churches is former Jesuit church and today's cathedral located just near the main city square “Korzo”.

Many of noble palaces are to be find in historical core of the city. At the main city square you can find the Draskovic palace, at the Franciscan square you can find the Patacic palace, which happened to be a venue of many balls and theater performances organized by the counts Patacic, as well as the palace of Varazdin county, which is one of the biggest baroque palaces ever build in Croatia. At the same square are located Wasserman-Kreuz palace and Herzer palace, for which is interesting that it hasn't been built by a count, but by a city postman Franjo Herzer, who won his fortune by winning a lottery. In Varazdin city center are located other palaces from baroque period as well and are also worth to be visited.​

​​In Varazdin you can still find a whole street full of Art Nouveau houses. Well known are also Varazdin street lights, inspired by baroque design. And if you wish a real baroque atmosphere visit Varazdin Baroque Evenings – festival of baroque music, held annually in late September and early October.

And for the end one question – have you ever heard of a festival of good emotions? Never? Well, Varazdin is a home of one for 16 years already. The festival takes place in late August on Varazdin streets, which are full of street entertainers, musicians and other performers. During that time in Varazdin you can hear only laugh and feel only happiness and good emotions.

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