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FAIRYTALE-LIKE SIDE OF CROATIA
The enchanting, monumental castles with a flair of the mystical past are emblematic of Croatian Zagorje. To the delight of numerous guests and curious people, many of them are opened to visitors, and in some of them one can also stay or eat a delicious gourmet meal. We will single out some of the most attractive, and the choice is up to the reader!
1. TRAKOŠĆAN
Magical Trakošćan with its surrounding constructions, gardens and forest park with a lake, reminds us of scenes from H.C. Andersen’s tales! Its impressive interior – from the beautiful knights and hunting hall to the sumptuous dining room, is simply breathtaking, and the entire castle with its environment is a protected historical complex. Visitors will also enjoy a display of a number of excellently preserved artifacts – from interesting covers of the Bible, items made of alabaster, ornate antique keys, chess sets, richly decorated jars and mugs, to the knightly armor!
- VELIKI TABOR
Veliki Tabor is one of the most beautiful fortresses in northwesten Croatia, in Croatian Zagorje near Desinić. This building located at the altitude of 334m is a zero-category monument. Its name originates from the word tabor which denotes a war camp. It was built for defense from the Turks. Veliki Tabor is one of the best preserved medieval and Renaissance fortified towns of continental Croatia. The castle was built in the second half of the 15th century. It was built by the noble family Rattkay during the 16th century and remained in their possession until 1793. It had many famous masters: the Counts of Celje (who owned it at the earliest), Matija and Ivaniš Korvin, the Rattkay family, and the family of famous Croatian artist Oton Iveković. At the beginning of 90s of the 20th century, it is included among the Museums of Croatian Zagorje and operated as museum and excursion site.
- GJALSKI
The luxurious ambience and warm interior colors of castle Gjalski simply ooze romance, and this former home of our famous writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski is an ideal destination for couples, but also for all those who want to enjoy the authentic flair of ancient times. This literally royal ambience has been also recognized as an ideal environment for business purposes, so the castle, equipped with three multi-functional halls, eventually established itself as a favorite gathering place for business people and one of the truly original solutions for congress tourism!
- BEŽANEC
But what would the old castle be without ghosts and legends about them? If you’re really curious, visit the beautiful Bežanec, whose romantic old-fashioned rooms equipped with stylish furniture, are as we have heard, allegedly visited by benevolent female ghost! It is a beautiful female figure that supposedly shows itself to the couples in love, and casts good and miraculous spells on them! However, if you are not in the mood for the beyond, this hotel-castle offers a number of other „magical“ contents – from flying in a hot air balloon, to the sightseeing combined with horseback riding! Optionally, this can also be a quiet place for silent work, or a great gathering location for business meetings!
- ĐURĐEVAC
Lovers of cultural heritage and ancient art will certainly enjoy the fortress of Đurđevac, cultural monument of first category, whose ornaments, thanks to the wealthy bishop Sigismund Ernušt who had it built, reached the peak of the Renaissance style. The fort includes the “Croatian Louvre” – gallery space which consists of four lounges which boast valuable holdings – donations of Ivan Lacković Croata! Besides Đurđevac, a true gem for lovers of historical heritage is the Baroque castle Milijana with impressive black-and-white facade, and stylistic elements from the Baroque and Rococo period!
Foto: arhiv turističkih zajednica
This post is also available in: Croatian
