Varaždin Castle

The first documented mention of the castle occurred in 1181 under the name Garestin, in a document by the Hungarian-Croatian King Béla III. Originally conceived as a lowland fortress, Varaždin played a crucial role in the 16th century as one of the main defensive structures against the advancing Ottomans within the military frontier. During this period, the complex was expanded into a modern fortress with a moat, earthworks, and bastions. Throughout its history, the castle changed hands multiple times, including the Counts of Cilli, the Vitovec family, Ivaniš Korvin, and the Ungnads. At the end of the 16th century, it came into the possession of the Erdödy family, remaining with them until its expropriation by the city of Varaždin in 1925.

Varaždin Castle is located in the city of Varaždin, in the Varaždinska županija district, in the Kontinentalna Hrvatska region of Croatia. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 179 m above sea level.

Today, the castle houses the Varaždin City Museum, making it accessible to visitors who can explore the region's history here.

• Zrinski Castle (Castle), approx. 11.5 km away
• Feštetić Castle (Castle), approx. 14.6 km away
• Zavrč Castle (Castle), approx. 23.6 km away
• Loborgrad Castle (Castle), approx. 29.4 km away