Old Town Varaždin

Old Town of Varaždin, situated in the municipality of Varaždin, Croatia, was originally constructed by the medieval Hungarian kingdom. It first appears in historical records from 1181 under the name “castrum Garestin,” serving as the administrative center for Varaždin County during the reign of King Béla III of Hungary.

The fortress suffered destruction during the Mongol invasion of the mid-13th century, a catastrophic event that affected much of the region. In its aftermath, King Béla IV ordered its reconstruction as part of his wider efforts to restore and fortify the kingdom. Ownership of the fortress subsequently passed through prominent noble houses, including the Counts of Celje in the late 14th century. This family undertook significant Gothic-style rebuilding, establishing structures such as the main defensive tower and granary.

By the mid-15th century, the growing Ottoman threat influenced further military enhancements. The settlement was fortified with defensive earthworks and wooden palisades. In 1544, reflecting ongoing concerns over Ottoman advances, the fortress was reinforced with strong stone walls and bastions, strengthening its strategic position in the region.

At this time, under the supervision of Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio, the fortress was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, including the addition of a Renaissance palace. The design introduced elements such as two floors featuring arcades and corridors oriented toward inner courtyards. By the 16th century, Varaždin emerged as a key fortified stronghold, becoming the seat of the Vend captaincy responsible for three subordinate captaincies overseeing the wider area.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress gradually lost its military significance. The Erdődy family, who held ownership from the late 16th century until 1925, made Baroque-style alterations to parts of the castle. Among these changes was the installation of a statue honoring St. John of Nepomuk in front of the castle, reflecting religious dedications of the period.

In the 19th century, parts of the outer defenses and earthworks were removed to accommodate urban expansion, yet the core structure persisted. Since 1925, the castle has served as the home of the Varaždin City Museum, which has continuously undertaken research, maintenance, and restoration projects. The site is recognized as a protected cultural monument of national importance and was included on Croatia’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.