Cakovec Castle

Cakovec Castle - Kaštel Čakovec, Cakovec, Medimurje County, Republic of Croatia.

Čakovec castle was built in the 13th century by Count Dmitrius Csáky, after whom the town was named. It was subsequently owned by many noble families, including the Counts of Celje, Ernust, Zrinski, Festetic, and others.
The castle is located near the central town square and is the largest fortification in the region. It was built of hewn stone and red brick and underwent several reconstructions over its seven-century history.
In 1546, Count Zrinski, who resided there due to the constant Turkish threat, took possession of the castle. Zrinski transformed the structure into a modern fortress with a magnificent Renaissance palace.
On April 30, 1738, the castle was severely damaged by an earthquake. It was immediately restored and remodeled in the Baroque style, giving it its present-day features. The water-filled moats that completely surrounded the castle were later drained and filled with earth.
On November 19, 2007, the castle was included in the Croatian Register of Cultural Heritage. It now houses the largest regional museum in Međimurje, and its atrium is used as an open-air theater in the summer.