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.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Manfred Schrenk (6 months ago)
Excellent ACCESSIBLE Museum on Regional History

Tonimir Hub (2 years 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 (2 years 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 (2 years ago)
They have done an amazing job, very interesting content, clever design, kind staff, nice souvenirs

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