Visiting Varazdin, Croatia

Once upon a time Varazdin was Croatia's capital (now Zagreb) and it retains an aura of stately seriousness. The baroque buildings in the town centre have been scrupulously scrubbed up and maintained, making it one of Europe's most intact baroque centres (after Prague).

Varazdin Architecture

Its architectural heritage dated from the few wondrous years (from 1756 to 1776) when Varazdin, as a capital city attracted the region's best architects and designers. Notice especially the Patacic Place and Patacic-Puttar Palace in the town centre which dates from this period and the striking Town Hall.

Varazdin's artsy heritage is also apparent in its Gallery of Old and Modern Masters which displays a nice selection of paintings from Croatia and abroad but for an overview of the town's history, head to the Town Museum located in Varazdin's star attraction-Stari Grad (below).. Despite its name, Stari Grad (Old City) was really a defensive fort with sturdy round towers. It held up well when the region was under attack from the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.

Varazdin Music

Varazdin is now a thriving commercial centre for the north of Croatia but its business spirit is considerably lightened in time for the Varazdin Baroque Evenings which take place over three to four weeks each September. If baroque music is your thing, you'll find plenty of it in churches and theatres around the city. It's an extremely prestigious event on the Croatian music scene. Find out more about the Varazdin Baroque Evenings.

Accommodation in Varazdin

Most people come to Varazdin on a day trip from Zagreb but there's no reason not to stay for a night. Forget about private accommodation though; it doesn't exist. The best hotel in town is the three-star Hotel Turist-- a very business-like establishment. A more familial alternative is the Pansion Maltar, a small inn in the town centre.

Getting to Varazdin

Buses from Zagreb to Varazdin leave about every half hour for a trip that takes less than 2 hours. Trains from Zagreb to Varazdin take a little longer (about 3 hours) and are almost as frequent as buses.

Tourist Information in Varazdin

The Varazdin tourist office (tel 049-210 987) is near Stari Grad at Padovceva 3 but has a limited amount of useful documentation in English.

Varazdin News

"Delightful" says the Financial Times

Croatian Architecture

Tours & Excursions from Zagreb

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