Croatian north is a fairy-tale world of the wine-growing hills, healing waters, castles and manors.
City of Varazdin is one of the oldest towns in Croatia. He was also the Croatian capital, but in 1776 almost completely burned in a catastrophic fire. The thing that separates Varazdin from other Croatian cities is its great monuments and artistic heritage with the best preserved and richest urban complex in continental Croatia. Varazdin is only 80km from the Croatian capital Zagreb. Besides the Old Town complex and the City Hall, there is the unique horticultural complex of the city cemetery, protected as a natural monument. Varazdin is known as one of the best arranged cities in Croatia and organizer of cultural and entertainment events such as the Varazdin Baroque Evenings and Spancirfest.
The former Croatian capital has received great recognition – renowned US magazine The New York Times ranked him among the top 52 tourist destinations in the world to visit in 2014.
What to see in Varazdin
Old Town
It is believed that the Old Town was built in early 12th century. In the mid of the 16th century is experiencing radical changes and of late Gothic fortress transformed into a Renaissance Wasserburg. In the Old Town is located Varazdin Municipal Museum.
Varazdin Cemetery
Varazdin cemetery is the second most beautiful in Europe. The cemetery is a protected nature park and monument. There is from 1773.
Herczer Palace
Herczer Palace was built after the disastrous fire in 1791. On the stone portal was carved coat of arms of family Herczer. Today the building is entomological museum as one of the departments of the City Museum of Varazdin.
Patacic Palace
Patacic Palace was completed in 1764, and gave it to build rich Varazdin trader Daniel Praunsperger.
Sermage Palace
Sermage Palace was built in 1684 and is one of the most interesting palaces of the 17th century. In it is located gallery of old and new masters.
Ursuline Church
Ursuline church was built in 1712 by Ursulin nuns as a one-nave Baroque church. The church was rebuilt and added her tower in 1726. The tower is one of the most beautiful in the city.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Construction of the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary took from 1642 to 1646. The church once served the Jesuit and the Paulist order, and in 1997 with the establishment of the Varazdin diocese becomes the cathedral.
What to do in Varazdin
Thermal Baths in Varazdinske Toplice
The rich nature of the northern Croatia hides beautiful spa. Modern thermal baths offer a range of wellness programs, massage and activities that restore the body and strengthens the spirit. Whether guests come alone, in pairs or with family, his stay can be perfectly adjusted to suit his style of holiday, enjoy a refreshing bath with aroma oils from grape, and relax in the sauna or a massage…
Not far from Varazdin are Varazdin spas – Aqua Iasae. A thousand-year tradition of using thermal sulphuric water is confirmed by excavations of the Roman thermal baths from the 2nd century, and were used for a full four hundred years.
Christening of Grape Must
Wine is an integral part of life in the north Croatia as well as continental foods are based on traditional recipes. Wine houses on the wine road of Medjimurje will win at a first sight anyone who entered into them.
St Martin is a protector of winemakers and there is a wine festival that is celebrated in November with the depicting the christening of grape and tasting young wines, with expert guidance. Come and celebrate St Martin’s in the company of numerous visitors who in those days can also enjoy in the rich oenological and gastronomic offer.
In the Strigova for the event of Urbanovo you can try the best wines of skilled winemakers of northern Croatia. In the Zlatne gorice you can pass “Wine Way of the Cross” and go to vintage and meet old customs.
Gastronomy
With good wines guests can eat traditional dishes such as meat from tiblica, chopped fat or beef escalope with side dishes of potatoes, rice or zganci (kind of polenta).
Art lives in galleries and Varazdin courtyards and creative workshops. Varazdin pastry, spicy game dishes of poultry, fish and vegetables, all grown in the vicinity of Varazdin, along with excellent chefs are a guarantee of gastronomic delight.
Cycling
Wine-growing hills in north Croatia are destination of many recreational and professional cyclists. The picturesque countryside leads adventurers even 700 kilometers of bicycle paths on 12 marked routes.
By joining in the active cycling culture of healthy living in this region with pleasant ride you can explore the monuments and traditions of past times. Bicycle and cyclists are welcome everywhere.
Spancirfest
Castles – Museums, the most beautiful collections from entomology to frescoes, collections of ceramics and angels, concerts in churches and concert halls, dance performances and live performances are just part of the rich cultural offerings, and good emotions guests will surely overwhelm the popular festival Spancirfest.
Varazdin Baroque Evenings
Varazdin’s baroque splendor are carefully cultivates and proudly shows, and in there is held and Varazdin Baroque Evenings. Over 45 years already, Varazdin churches and concert venues from the beginning of autumn fills the sound of baroque music of Bach, Handl, Vivaldi, Purcell, Scarlatti and other masters.
With the music program is held and a series of accompanying events which rounded up cultural mission.