Zrinski Castle

Čakovec, Croatia

Čakovec or Zrinski Castle is the biggest fortification in Međimurje County. It was constructed of hewn stone and red brick, and, during its more than 7-century-long history, subjected to several reconstructions. Today it is partly restored.

First fortification was built in the 13th century by Count Dimitrius Csáky, after whom the city of Čakovec is named. It was later owned by many other notable families, including the House of Lacković, the Counts of Celje as well as the House of Ernušt, House of Zrinski, House of Feštetić and others.

Nikola Šubić Zrinski, Ban (viceroy) of Croatia and hero of Siget, was granted the castle together with the whole area of Međimurje on 12 March 1546 from King Ferdinand as a compensation for his battles against the Ottomans.

Nikola Šubić Zrinski's great-grandson Nikola VII Zrinski, long-term Ban of Croatia and famous warrior against the Turks, was born in Čakovec Castle in 1620 to Juraj V Zrinski and Magdalena Zrinski née Széchy. In his castle he established and owned a unique book collection named 'Bibliotheca Zriniana'.

In 1660 the castle was visited by Evliya Çelebi, Turkish traveller and writer, and in 1661 by Jacobus Tollius, Dutch philologist. The famous Hungarian poet-general Miklós Zrínyi died here in 18 Nov 1664.

On 30 April 1738 castle was heavily damaged in an earthquake. It was immediately rebuilt and redesigned in baroque style, and it was given its present-day look. Water-filled moats, that entirely surrounded the castle, were later drained and filled with earth.

The castle's main palace houses the Međimurje County Museum, the biggest museum in the county, and its atrium is also used as an outdoor theatre during the summer months. The place was the scene of the Zrinski-Frankopan conspiracy, a significant event in the history of Croatia.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Croatia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tonimir Hub (11 months ago)
Great place to visit on weekend. Inside the castle there is a museum that we didn't had chance to visit - it didn't work on Saturday. There is very nice bar on the city walls and nice restaurant as well. It is a little bit expensive though but a really nice experience as well. Will visit again.
Nikolas Belalis (12 months ago)
Very nice castle and in really good condition. We didn't visit the interior, so i don't how interesting it is, but we really enjoyed a stroll around it and in its courtyard. An important monument and landmark of this small town.
Lada Božić (12 months ago)
They have done an amazing job, very interesting content, clever design, kind staff, nice souvenirs
Ljubiša Kukulj (20 months ago)
Decent place to visit. Castle is really nice and everything inside is nice as well. However, some parts were locked while we were there. Working hours are really short over the weekend so be careful about that. It is a really good place to visit if you have kids. There is bunch of interactive media and even some toys for them to try.
Paul Heller (2 years ago)
Its a nice enough castle. There are 2 cafes/restaurants located within also. A museum dedicated to the castle and to the Medimuri area. It's located in a park with many trails so it's good for walking. It's the main site in the city.
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