Erdödy Castle, Jastrebarsko, Croatia

The Erdödy Castle is the oldest building in Jastrebarsko. The castle is located in a beautiful old park that is actually a monument of horticulture. It was originally a water castle, a lowland fort surrounded by moats that are now filled and covered with grass, but still visible in the outlines of the landscape. According to records, the castle was built by Matija Gereb between 1483 and 1489. The Erdödy family came into possession of the Jastrebarsko land, which included the castle, in the first half of the 16th century and remained in possession until 1922.

The castle building has a rectangle shape and it is located on a knoll surrounded by moats, as a lowland fort. The wings of the building have different heights, and the highest of them is closed by the two remaining towers. The internal courtyard contains arches and baroque columns. The old castle was built by Ban Matija Gereb in the late 15th century. Early in the 16th century, the castle fell to the possession of the Erdödy family, under which it remained until 1922. In time, the castle saw several reconstructions, and the rectangle castle reinforced by two round towers was one of the keeps during Ottoman invasions. The plate left of the entrance was added in 1592 by Ban Toma Erdödy. Stjepan Erdödy, who loved nature and hunting, founded a natural museum in the castle. It was then bought by businessman Ehrman. In 1936, after the businessman’s bankruptcy, the estate was bought by the municipality for a children’s home. It also held the Regional Museum for a while.

Today, the castle is in very poor condition and the interior is not open for visitors. It is, however, to be completely renovated soon so it would once again shine in all its glory. Until then, you can only visit the exterior while strolling on the beautiful grounds of the Erdödy Castle.

The Jastrebarsko Town Museum holds an interesting collection with items related to the castle and history of the Erdödy family. It also includes a small collection of photographs, hunting items and trophies won by Count Stjepan Erdödy, who was a passionate hunter and a photography pioneer in the region.

References:

tzgj.hr

User Reviews

Vanja Zvonar (2 years ago)
Currently under reconstruction, will probably shine in it's full beauty...

Cira radzali (3 years ago)
The building is under maintenance..but really a nice view with the park and all thr big tree

Luka sesvečan (3 years ago)
Looks amazing from far away, as you approach you see that castle was forgoten. You can't enter or see much inside (what you see is rubble). Looking forward to renovation, restoring this castle to it's old glory. There are 2 boards English/Croatian near the castle which tells a bit of history. Surrounding nature is well maintained and good to relax in.

Генка Георгиева (4 years ago)
Urgent reinovation is required

korančica (4 years ago)
It gets 4 stars because of the park around him, wich is truly one of the best parks I've seen. I would recommend visiting the lake of the park, with romantic paths, trees, bridges and lots of ducks ? As other reviews have already said, the castle itself is not open for visitors, and falling apart. However, a full renovation is planned for the Erdödy Castle so hopefully, I will soon need to edit this review and give this place 5 stars - if castle would be turned into museum or gallery, it would be awesome.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Christian Lauw

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