Castles & Villages of the Zagorje Region, Zagreb
Overview
First, find your way to Trakošćan Castle, an excellent example of one of a storybook locale, as it sits perched on a hill adjacent to a glassy lake. The castle, a historic landmark, was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress but was later used as a home for aristocratic Croatian families. Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and interiors, including four floors that function as a museum with permanent exhibitions.
Afterward, visit Veliki Tabor Castle, located just southwest of Trakošćan. This gothic-renaissance castle dates to the 16th century and sits atop a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for a noble Hungarian family, its fortifications designed to defend against Turkish invaders. A tour of Veliki includes visits to the towers, guardhouses, inner courtyard, and a small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings.
Apart from castles, explore nearby villages, like Kumrovec, where you'll find restored peasants' houses from the 19th century. These are great areas to browse local craft shops and enjoy traditional country cuisine like grilled lamb, meat skewers, and veal stuffed with cheese and ham. Kumrovec is most well-known for being the birthplace of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the communist revolutionary who was President of Yugoslavia from 1953 to 1980.
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