With its rich history and heritage, it is no wonder that Croatia’s already stunning landscape is dotted with a number of castles. Most of these former fortresses and castles in Croatia were built in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance era, and have gone through wars and disasters.
A good number were restored or renovated, while some fell into ruins but somehow remained its charm. A lot of these castles in Croatia no longer have noble families as its residents as they’re either turned into museums, visitor centers, schools, multipurpose spaces or luxury hotels.
Still, they’re open for visits and here are some of the castles you must visit when you’re in Croatia.
Contents
12 Must-See And Best Castles In Croatia
1. Trakošćan Castle, Croatia
Trakošćan Castle is one of the prettiest and most photographed, and it’s easy to see why. Located in northern Croatia, in the Varaždin County, this was built in the 14th century as a small fortress and restored in the19th century into a gorgeous Neo-Gothic structure.
It is surrounded by lush parklands, has a romanticist garden, stunning views of the valley. This castle is also a museum now that has armor, books, furniture, paintings, tapestries, and weapons.
Opening Hours
Summer (1st April-31st October) 9 am to 8 pm
Winter (1st November -31st March) 9 am to 5 pm The
Museum is open daily, including weekends and public holidays.
Admission Fee
Adults – 40kn €5.38)
Children – 20kn (€2.68)
Groups of preschool children – 10kn (€1.35)
Children under 7 have free entrance to the park and the castle
Contact Information
Phone: +385(0)42 796 281
Address: Trakošćan 4, 42253, Bednja, Croatia
Email: dvor@trakoscan.hr
2. Pejačević Castle
The Neoclassical and late Baroque Pejačević castle is one of the many owned by Pejačević family members in Slavonia. It is located in Virovitica in the Pordavina County of north Croatia.
Constructed on an old structure from the middle ages, this castle was built from 1800 to 1804 by Antun Pejačević and his son.
This rectangular, single-story castle is in the heart of parkland, and now houses the Virovitica Municipal Museum, which has impressive archeological, cultural, Ethnographic and historical collections.
Opening Hours
For museum
Monday -9 am 2 pm
Tuesday- Friday – 9am- 7 pm
Saturday – 10 am – 2pm and 4pm- 7 pm
Sunday by appointment only
Admission Fee
For museum
(Permanent Lineup)
Adult – 40 kn (€5.38)
Students, Pupils, and pensioners- 20 kn (€2.68)
Group -25 kn (per person) (€3.36)
Group visits of students, students, and pensioners (from 10 to 30 persons), price per person – 15kn (€2.02)
Family ticket (for families with children under 15 years) – 70 kn (€9.41)
Free entry for the unemployed (with proof of proof)
(Temporary)
Adults – 20 kn (€2.68)
Students, Pupils, and pensioners – 10 kn (€1.34)
Group visits (from 10 to 30 persons) – 10 kn (per person) (€1.34)
Group visits of students, students, and pensioners (from 10 to 30 persons), price per person – 5 kn (€0.67)
Family ticket (for families with children under 15 years) – 30 kn (€4.06)
Free entry for the unemployed (with proof of proof)
Contact Information
Address: Ul. Stanka Vraza 13, 33000, Virovitica, Croatia
Phone:033 722 127
Email:muzej.virovitica1234@gmail.com
3. Veliki Tabor
Reopened in 2011 after four years of restoration work, the Veliki Tabor castle may not be as grand as the other castles in Croatia but has a distinct character. It’s plump and short, with its four towers not really towering.
It has bright and airy interiors, though, which is perfect for the many activities and events held here regularly. Built in the 12th century, Veliki Tabor is an interesting mix of late-Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
Opening Hours
1st April through 30th September
Weekdays: 09:00 am -5:00 pm (museum entrance closes at 4:00pm)
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 09:00 am-7:00 pm (museum entrance closes at 6:00 pm)
October and March
Weekdays: 09:00 am-4:00 pm (museum entrance closes at 3:00 pm)
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 09:00-17:00 (museum entrance closes at 4:00 pm)
1st November through last day of February
09:00-4:00 pm (museum entrance closes at 3:00 pm )
The Museum is closed on
Mondays and Tuesdays from 2nd November to 31st March.
Holidays (1st January, Easter Sunday, 1st November, 25th December, 26th December)
Admission Fee
Children, students, and pensioners: 15,00 HRK (€2.02)
(groups of over 30 are eligible to a discount price of 12,00 HRK) (€1.61)
Adults: 25,00 HRK (€3.36)
(groups of over 30 are eligible to a discount price of 20,00 HRK) (€2.68)
Family ticket: 55,00 HRK (for parents with underage children) (€7.39)
Person with disabilities are entitled to a discount: 20 %
Two escorts of 30 people are entitled to a free ticket
Children up to 3 years are entitled to a free ticket
Members of the Croatian Museum Society and ICOM, the International Council of Museums,
are allowed to visit Veliki Tabor free of charge
Contact Information
Phone: ++385 (0)49 374-973
Address: Dvor Veliki Tabor Košnički Hum 1 49216 Desinić
Email: rezervacije-dvt@mhz.hr
4. Trsat Castle
Dominating the Rijeka bay, the Trsat Fortress is one of the most recognizable structures in the city of Rijeka. Perched on a hill that’s almost 150 meters high, the castle is said to be built on top of the remains of an old Illyrian and Roman fortress.
This thirteenth-century stone castle has changed ownerships, witnessed conflict and faced disasters until it was restored to a Neo-Gothic style in the 1800s.
Trsat is now one of the most visited attractions in Rijeka, where you can find a restaurant in its grounds while the courtyard hosts theatrical and musical events.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday -9:00 am -10:00 PM
Contact Information
Address: Trg Riječke rezolucije 1, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
5. Lužnica Castle
A magnificent Austrian baroque castle constructed in 1791, Lužnica was originally built as the residences of a noble family. It is located just a few miles to the west of the town of Zaprešić in Zagreb county. It is an open type structure that’s surrounded by a lake and a park and has well-maintained grounds.
The building switched ownerships in 1925, and it became the Convent of St. Vincent de Paul, Lužnica’s main purpose was a residential and care facility for elderly members of the sisterhood.
Since 2007, it’s been home yo a center that organizes educational and spiritual activities under the guidance of the nuns, serving the community of Zaprešić and Zagreb county.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The park is open to visitors each Saturday and Sunday from 2.00 pm to 6.00pm (April – September to 8.00 pm), with a guided tour of the castle at 16.00. (Sunday only, in Croatian)
Contact Information
Phone: 01 3350 944
Email: tajnistvo@luznica.hr
Address: Lužnički ul. odv. 8, 10290, Lužnica, Croatia
6. Castle Bezanec
Castle Bezanec was built during the 17th century and was dramatically renovated and restored in the 19th century into the classicist architectural masterpiece that we see today. The castle sits on a hilltop, with its clock tower and triangular gables easily seen as you approach.
From the castle, you’ll have stunning views of the lush green valley. The castle itself has well-maintained grounds filled with gingko and basswood trees.
Castle Bezanecis now a high-end hotel, but you can still visit and marvel at its ornate decor and lavish furnishings, antiquities and art collection.
It also has a restaurant that you must try because they serve traditional Croatian dishes using ingredients that are sourced locally.
7. Feštetić Castle
The Nei-Gothic Feštetić Castle was built in the 16th century by Zrinski family members who owned it until the 17th century. It has changed ownership and has undergone a number of renovations and restorations since.
It has survived fires and wars over the centuries but remains to be a top attraction in this part of Croatia. Marked by prominent steel, the castle is surrounded by a park, garden, and chapel.
It’s considered as one of the prettiest and most romantic Croatian castles and now serves as a primary school.
8. Tvrdalj Castle
Located in the Stari Grad in Hvar Island, Tvrdalj Castle was the summer house of Peter Hektorović, a Croatian poet in the 16th century.
This Renaissance structure doesn’t have a lot of intricate details and ornamentation which was common among houses at that time. The castle has a pretty courtyard that has an arcaded terrace, a tower, and a seawater fish pond.
The castle itself has quite an ideal location, next to the bay while the other side has some lush green gardens.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM – 5:50 PM To 8:30 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +385 21 765 068
Address: Tvrdalj 12 Stari Grad, Croatia 21460
9. Stari Grad Varazdin
Located in the old Baroque town of Varazdin, the Stari Grad castle is definitely worth a visit. It is a simple Renaissance structure without prominent ornamentation but it still looks grand and imposing. It was founded in the 12th century and many influential families in Croatia resided here since.
Nowadays, this castle houses a museum that has a collection of historic documents, glasswork, and ceramics.
The castle, however, shouldn’t be the only place you visit in Varazdin. It’s quite a charming city with so much to offer and you definitely should check out its mostly Baroque architecture.
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +385 42 212-918, +385 42 212-919
Address: Šetalište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera 1, 42000, Varaždin, Croatia
Email : info@tourism-varazdin.hr
10. Dioš Castle
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Situated near the Koncanica settlement, on a hill with the same name, Dioš Castle is one of the youngest castles in Croatia.
This luxurious castle was built in 1904 as a lord’s house and has served different purposes for almost a century before it was given to the Silesian monks in 1995.
Dioš Castle is considered as a rare example of a Hungarian manor house, built in the Historicism style with a touch of traditional Hungarian architecture influences. It was designed by architects and professors from Budapest Ernő Foerk and Gyula Sándy.
Perched on a plateau above the Ilova River. the classic design of Dioš Castle blends perfectly with Končanica’s forested landscape.
11. Mailáth Castle
Located close to the Hungarian border, the Mailáth Castle was constructed from 1903 to 1906 for the Mailáth family from Hungary.
The castle has 50 rooms, numerous towers, ornately designed chimneys, and terraces, it is easily recognized as a Neo-Gothic structure, which also has touches of the Tudor style. Mailáth is situated close to the Drava river and within a lovely park.
At present, the castle is home to the municipality’s administrative offices and hosts events and concerts. It is not listed as an official tourist attraction but you can request a visit.
Contact Information
Phone: +385 (0)31 633 103
Address: Vukovarska 1 31540 Donji Miholjac
Email: tzdm@tz-donjimiholjac.hr
12. Cetin Castle
The exact date when Cetin Fortress was built is still unknown, but there are signs of a Roman Empire settlement.
Located about 5 kilometers south of Catingrad, Cetin had sn important tole in Croatian history. This is where the nobility gathered after their defeat at the Battle of Mohács in 1526 for the Parliament on Cetin or Cetinski Sabor.
The castle is also part of the Military Frontier, which is the border between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.
Contact Information
Address: 47222, Podcetin, Croatia
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