ZAGREB CITY & TRAKOŠĆAN CASTLE TOUR

Zagreb city & Trakošćan castle tour brings you the past and present and the best gems of continental Croatia.

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is located in continental Croatia, between the southern slopes of Medvednica mountain and the banks of the Sava River. It is famous for its Austro-Hungarian architecture and numerous parks. Zagreb has grown on two neighboring hills, Gradec and Kaptol – or just Upper Town, with The Blue Funicular that connects Upper and Lower Town and carries the title of the shortest funicular in the world.

While in Zagreb, don’t miss a chance to visit the Cathedral built in neo-Gothic style and one of the most valuable monuments of Croatian cultural heritage, Church of St. Mark with it’s famous colorful roof, Lotrščak Tower, Strossmayer promenade, Bloody Bridge – a small street that connects Tkalčićeva street, Radićeva Street, The King Tomislav Square with it’s neo-Classical and Secessionist buildings and palaces, Ban Jelačić square as the main Square, Dolac market, The Croatian National Theatre…

See more about Zagreb!

Zagreb, St Marko’s Chirch photo credit by TZGZ

Meeting in front of a previously set location with a driver (coordinated with a tour guide) we continue the excursion towards Trakošćan castle; a real cultural heritage and extremely well preserved. Today the castle is owned by the Republic of Croatia and in 1954. was established as a museum with a permanent exhibition. This beautiful castle is a real “Croatian medieval treasure”!

Zagreb, Photo by TZGZ by Marija Gasparovic

Trakošćan caste, the gem from times gone by

Meeting in front of a previously set location with our driver, coordinated by a knowledgeable tour guide, we embark on an exciting excursion towards Trakošćan Castle, a gem of Croatian cultural heritage. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Croatia, this stunning castle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the best-preserved castles in the country. Since 1954, it has been a museum, showcasing a permanent exhibition that offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of this unique site.

Trakošćan castle, Croatia, photo credit by Trakošćan museum

As we leave the bustling streets of Zagreb, the serene countryside unfolds before us. The drive is a picturesque journey through lush greenery, quaint villages, and gently sloping hills. The approximately 90-minute drive provides ample time for the tour guide to share captivating stories about Croatia’s history, architecture, and the noble families who once resided in Trakošćan.

Arriving at the castle, it feels as though we’ve stepped back in time. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by a tranquil lake and an impeccably landscaped park, Trakošćan Castle is a sight to behold. Built in the late 13th century, the castle has undergone several transformations, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Romantic styles. Once the home of the noble Drašković family, it now stands as a testament to Croatia’s rich medieval and aristocratic heritage.

Trakošćan castle, Croatia, photo credit by Trakošćan museum

Our tour begins with the castle’s interior, where the permanent museum exhibition takes us on a journey through centuries of history. The museum showcases original furnishings, artwork, and personal items of the castle’s former inhabitants. Each room is carefully curated to reflect the period’s style, from opulent salons to the knights’ hall, complete with suits of armor and weaponry.

Trakošćan castle, Croatia, photo credit by Trakošćan museum

One of the highlights is the castle’s library, housing a collection of rare books that offer insight into the intellectual pursuits of its residents. Another fascinating section is the family portraits gallery, where the faces of the Drašković family peer down from ornately framed canvases, bringing their legacy to life.