Castle Trakošćan is perhaps the most visited place of northern Croatia. By the entrance is a simple path of gravel, although the castle itself looks very majestic. Yellow and white stone walls, a drawbridge and luxurious land - all this creates the illusion of fairy around the fortress, which was built in the 13th century. His condition is carefully maintained and today it is one of the best preserved castles in the country.

Trakoscan was built in the 13th century in the northwestern fortification system of Croatia as a small fortress to monitor and control the roads. According to legend, Trakoscan was named after another fortification, 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.

For the first time the castle is mentioned in written records in 1334. No one knows who was the first owner of Trakošćan. In the late 14th century, the castle belonged to the Counts of Celje, who were in charge of the entire Zagorje County. After the family died out, the castle was divided and changed its owners. Only in 1566 the ownership was transferred to the state.

King Maximilian gave the castle Juraj Draskovic for services rendered, first personally, and then as family heritage. So Draskovic family came into possession of Trakoscan. In the second half of the 18th century, the castle Trakoscan was abandoned. Forgotten, it became dilapidated. It was only in the mid-19th century, when the family once again became interested in their property in a spirit of romantic return to nature and family values, one of its representatives has transformed the castle into a residential estate. Subsequent generations have lived in the castle from time to time until 1944, when they were forced to emigrate to Austria. Shortly thereafter, the castle was nationalized.

Museum with a permanent exhibition was set up in 1953. Today the castle is owned by Croatia. The castle displays the different stages of construction. For several centuries it was used as reinforcement, so all the time spent in the renovation was more functional than aesthetic. A well-chosen location and strengthen its observation tower made it strong and safe.

The rapid development of firearms and active attacks threatening the Turks forced the owners to further strengthen the castle. Thus, the second generation of the Drašković family, Ivan and Peter, added the western tower.

In the 19th century, Trakoscan acquired its present appearance. In 1840-1864 gg., One of the first stages of reconstruction of the country, the castle was renovated in neo-Gothic style. He not only changed his appearance, but stopped finally serve as a fortified building. When the dam was built, the valley surrounding the castle turned into a large lake.

After reconstruction in the castle lived several generations of the Drašković family, who have made several additional designs and appliances. It was added to the north tower above the entrance, as well as south-western terrace.

At the end of the Second World War Trakošćan was discovered in an abandoned and dilapidated. This was followed by protective architectural and interior work. During the last years the castle again subjected to a careful renovation.

Inside the castle is also a very interesting and colorful. The first floor is made in the style of the 19th century - a lot of antique furniture, wood and portraiture. Upstairs you will find an ancient weapon, a hodgepodge of furniture, walls with exposed portions of the original wallpaper and a few original tapestries.