Trakošćan castle, perhaps the most visited place in Northern Croatia. The entrance leads to a simple gravel path, although the castle itself looks very majestic. Yellow-white stone walls, a drawbridge and luxury of the earth – all this creates a fabulous illusion around the fortress, which was built in the 13th century. His condition carefully maintained and today it is one of the best preserved castles in the country.

Trakoscan was built in the 13th century in North-Western system of fortifications of Croatia as a small fortress for monitoring and control of the roads. According to the legend, Trakoscan was named in honor of another building, which in ancient times was located at the same place. Another source claims that it was named in honor of the knights, who controlled the region in the early middle Ages.

The castle is mentioned for the first time in written sources in 1334. It is unknown who was the first owner of Trakoscan. In the late 14th century, the castle belonged to the counts of Celje, who were responsible for the whole County of Zagorje. After the family died out, the castle was divided and changed its owners. Only in 1566 ownership was passed to the state.

King Maximilian gave the castle Juraj Drašković, for services rendered at first personally, and then as a family heritage. So the family of Draskovica took possession of Trakoscan. In the second half of the 18th century, trakošćan castle was abandoned. Forgotten, he became dilapidated. And only in the mid-19th century, when the family again became interested in his property in the romantic spirit of getting back to nature and family values, one of its representatives turned the castle into a residential estate. Subsequent generations lived in the castle from time to time until 1944, when they were forced to emigrate to Austria. Soon after, the castle was nationalized.

Museum with a permanent exhibition was created in 1953. Today the castle is owned by Croatia. The castle displays the different stages of construction. For several centuries it was used as a fortification, therefore, all held at the time of reconstruction were more functional than aesthetic. A well-chosen location-building and observation tower, made it strong and safe.

The rapid development of firearms and active-threatening attacks of the Turks forced the owners to further strengthen the castle. So, the second generation of the drašković family, Ivan and Peter, added the West tower.

In the 19th century Trakoscan acquired the current. In 1840-1864, which is one of the first stages of reconstruction, the castle was restored in neo-Gothic style. He not only changed his appearance, but finally stopped to serve in the role of fortified buildings. When a dam was built surrounding the castle valley has turned into a large lake.

After the reconstruction in the castle lived several generations of a family Draskovic, who made several additional designs and adaptations. Was added to the North tower above the entrance and South-West terrace.

At the end of the Second world war Trakoscan was found abandoned and in a dilapidated condition. This was followed by a protective architectural and interior design work. During the last years the castle was again subjected to a thorough restoration.

Inside the castle is also very interesting and colorful. The first floor is designed in the style of the 19th century – lots of antique furniture, wood and portraiture. On the upper floors you will find an ancient weapon, a Mish-mash of furniture, walls with exposed original Wallpaper and a few original tapestries.