Varaždin

Varaždin is a city located in the northwestern part of Croatia. It is also situated near the Drava river and is an industrialized city that is also rich in history and heritage.

Sights & Activities

The Old City fortress is one valuable architectural heritage of Varaždin. This medieval structure was constructed in the 14th century and its Gothic towers were added a century later. The fortress now houses the Town Museum.

The Town Museum was established in 1925 and contains more than 30,000 items, all related one way or another to the history of the city. Among the items displayed are costumes, weapons, clocks, watches, paintings, sculptures, furniture, and furnishings. The museum also keeps a collection of books, some of them quite old and valuable.

Located in the center of the city is the Herzer Palace, where the Entomological Department of the Varaždin Municipal Museum is located. This institution focuses on displaying and providing information regarding the species of insects found within and around the city. It is an ideal destination for naturalists and for those who haven’t outgrown their interests in bugs and insects. The Old & Contemporary Masters’ Gallery of the municipal museum is housed within the nearby Sermage Palace, a Rococo structure that was built in 1750. The gallery has more than 3,000 art pieces made by Croatian and foreign artists.

The Varaždin Town Hall was built in the 16th century and is the site of a guard-changing ceremony every Saturday, an event that is anticipated by most visitors of the city. The city guards also participate in numerous ceremonies and events organized by the city.

Another prominent landmark in the city is the Varaždin Cathedral, a structure that was built in 1647. The cathedral bears a façade that is distinctly Baroque in design. Inside, visitors can behold its beautiful altar and numerous paintings adorning this religious structure.

Another Baroque structure in Varaždin is the Franciscan Church of St. John the Baptist. It was constructed in the 17th century and bears the statues of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padue at its main entrance, which is also decorated with Renaissance art. Inside, the church’s main highlight is its gilded pulpit.

The popular venue for performing arts in the city is the Croatian National Theatre, a Neo-Renaissance structure that was built in 1873. This world-renowned theater is also one of the venues of the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, a huge musical event organized by the city every autumn.

The other musical performances related to the Varaždin Baroque Evenings are held at the Cathedral of the Assumption, a Baroque structure that possesses excellent acoustic properties. The main altar of the cathedral is also gilded and is adorned with the painting of the ‘Assumption of the Virgin.’

Weather

Varaždin enjoys a climate that can be described as predominantly continental. The summer season can get hot, especially during the month of July. Winter, on the other hand, can also get very cold, with the occurrence of snow especially in the months of January and February. Though spring and autumn may sometimes get chilly, a warm coat would usually suffice for those who wish to venture outdoors during these times.