Trakoscan Castle

Trakoscan Castle - Dvor Trakošćan, Lepoglava, Varazdin County, Republic of Croatia.

Trakoščan Castle, located in northwestern Croatia, was built at the end of the 13th century as a small observation fortress to control the road to Ptuj in the Bednja Valley.
According to legend, Trakošćan was named after a Thracian fortress that supposedly existed here in ancient times. Another surviving legend says that the castle is named after the Knights of Drachenstein, who ruled the region in the early Middle Ages. It is also believed that the name “Trakoschan” comes from the words “trako” - dragon and “shchan” (shan) - stone (from the German “stein”). The whole word Trakoščan means Dragon on the stone.
The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1334. And since that time it has changed owners many times - the most famous are the Draskovics. This is one of the most noble families in the country, which occupied the castle at the end of the 16th century, after King Maximilian granted the estate to Juraj Drašković for services rendered. In the 18th century there was a period when the castle was abandoned and began to collapse, but then in the 19th century the owners returned to the estate and the castle was restored in the neo-Gothic style - this is how it looks at the moment. In addition, large-scale work was carried out in the adjacent territory - a magnificent landscape park was laid out, with an artificial lake equipped with a drawbridge.
Currently, the castle houses a museum where art, weapons and clothing from the late Middle Ages are exhibited. The castle also has a large collection of furniture in the Rococo and Baroque styles. Particularly impressive is the wooden cabinet designed after the Milan Cathedral. But the most valuable are still the numerous family portraits of the Draskovic family, painted over the last three centuries, as well as early photographs.
Trakošćan Castle is extremely popular among tourists. After all, it is considered the most beautiful and photogenic castle in Croatia. It is also very interesting to stroll through its park and take a boat ride on the lake. And of course, we must remember that the castle, located at the very top of the hill, offers a breathtaking view of the distant mountains and the surrounding magnificent nature. The road to Zagreb from the castle takes about an hour and therefore the influx of tourists from the capital is very large.