Croatia has many beautiful castles, most if not all are found mainly inland, Croatian Castles are in wonderful condition and should be included in your must see destination list for Croatia, Castles of Croatia. Arguably the best castles in Croatia are: Trakoscan Castle and Veliki Tabor, both can be found in the Krapina-Zagorje County, the other castles are also exceptional but probably not as well know. Croatian has a lot more building which could be classified as Castles, but I would consider them to be more in the shape of either Manor Houses or Fortresses.
There are numerous Manor Houses or Fortified Houses spread around Croatia, again many found inland, and generally positioned to overlook and protect vast areas of land.
Fortresses or Fortified cities, these you will generally find along the Croatian Coastline, the most well know Croatian fortified city is off course Dubrovnik, but there are literally hundreds spread along the Adriatic Coastline and Istria.
Veliki Tabor Castle
Veliki Tabor is located in Desinic – Krapina-Zagorje County, a pleasant and enjoyable daytrip (57 KM) from Zagreb. Today Veliki Tabor Castle operates as a museum, displaying antique medieval weapons and tools.
Veliki Tabor Castle is what you think of when then think of a castle, its appearance, its massive fortified walls, its location, build on top of a hill (approximately 330 meters above sea level), this magic medieval fortified castle is complete with turrets and towers. The walls incorporate four towers which surround the main section of the castle
Construction of Veliki Tabor is said to have started in the 12th century, various sections of Veliki Tabor Castle have been dated to different centuries, the most like explanations would be that the castle was either expanded from the original or repaired due to attacks over the centuries. Castle Veliki Tabor is situated approximately 330 meters above sea level and and occupies approximately an astonishing 3340 square meters.
One interesting fact of interest about Veliki Tabor is its water well which is measured at a depth of approximately 30 meters, considering when the well was dug (est. 12th Century), this is an astonishing feat.
The castles has had restoration work done to it over the centuries to return it to its original splendor and glory.
Trakoscan Castle
Trakoscan Castle is located in Trakoscan – Krapina-Zagorje County, a pleasant and enjoyable daytrip from Zagreb. Today Trakoscan Castle operates as a museum and has since 1953, the most notable displays are the knights and hunting rooms.
Trakoscan Castle is a magnificent 13th century gothic style castle, Trakoscan Castle by design was built on a large hilltop overseeing its current day vast and elegant parklands, historically it was to allow its inhabitants to see into the far distance any attacking enemies.
Trakoscan Castle is an impressive structure consisting of 4 massive levels, which includes a dungeon, Trakoscan Caste is arguably Croatia’s best-known and most picturesque castle, its design and location, makes it a. complete postcard photograph.
Over the centuries Trakoscan Castle was home to many European and Croatian influential families, Jan Vitovec, Ivaniš Korvin, Ivan Gyulay and most notably by Juraj Drašković.
CAKOVEC CASTLE
Dating back to the thirteenth century, and it acquired its present day appearance in the seventeenth century. It was built by the Croatian noble family Zrinjski. Today, the castle is a museum and the area around the castle is developed as a commercial center.
KARLOVAC –DUBOVAC CASTLE
Built in the fifteenth century on a wooded hill, Karlovac is a city situated on four rivers: Korana, Kupa, Dobra and Mre`nica. Medieval Karlovac was founded by Count Carlo in 1579 and today is the cultural and economic center of Karlovac County.
VARAZDIN
Medieval Varazdin was established in 1181. The old Varazdin castle is renovated today. The famous musical Vara`din Baroque Evenings are traditionally held in its luxurious rooms
VARAZDIN BAROQUE EVENINGS: September 20 — October 4 Concert Board, Tel: 042/212-907
OSIJEK FORTRESS
The Vienna court built a military fortress — Tvr|a, that today stands as a first category monument. Today, Osijek is the largest city in continental Croatia and the administrative center of eastern Croatia.
SISAK-THE OLD TOWN
The town was built in the sixteenth century for the defense of Croatia. In 35 BC, Roman conquerors destroyed Celtic Segestica, and then built Siscia which became the main town of the entire Pannonian region. Today Sisak is the center of Sisak-Moslavina County.
DJAKOVO-THE CATHEDRAL
Bishop J. J. Strossmayer had the \akovo cathedral built in 1882. It is one of the most valuable and beautiful Croatian cathedrals due its construction, sculptures and paintings.
DJAKOVO EMBROIDERY
A detail from the traditional Folklore Festival of Slavonia and Baranja, held in Djakovo every year from July 3-5.
“DJAKOVACKI VEZOVI”
The Djakovo Board, Kralja Tomislava 3
Tel/Fax: 031/811-233
Other Castles
Bosiljevo Castle – Bosiljevo Castle is located in Bosiljevo – Karlovac County.
Nasice Castle is located in Nasice – Osijek-Baranja County (Slavonia).
Ozalj Castle is located in Ozalj – Karlovac County.
Slavonia Castle is located in Donji Miholjac – Osijek-Baranja County (Slavonia).
DONJI MIHOLJAC – The castle of the Prandau family, built in 1818
BILJE Hunting castle of the Austrian army commander Eugene of Savoy
NASICE – The castle of the old Croatian Pejacevic family