Town Museum

Zagorje


This whitewashed fortress, a gem of medieval defensive architecture housed inside the Stari Grad (Old Town), is surrounded by a manicured park. Construction began in the 14th century, with the present Gothic-Renaissance structure dating back to the 16th century, when it was the regional fortification against the Turks.

The building was in private hands until 1925; today, as a museum, it houses a hotchpotch of furniture, paintings, watches, glassware, decorative objects, insignia and weapons, amassed over centuries and displayed throughout 30 exhibition rooms. Much more interesting than the historic collection inside, though, is the architecture: enter via a drawbridge and wander around to view the archways, courtyards and chapels of this sprawling castle-fortress.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zagorje attractions

1. Traditional Crafts Square

0.1 MILES

Demonstrations of pottery, weaving, beekeeping and hat-making re-create the olden times here and there's a couple of market stalls where you can buy…

2. Gallery of Old & Modern Masters

0.11 MILES

The rococo-style Sermage Palace, which houses the gallery, was built in 1759. Note the carved medallions on the facade and pay a quick visit to the museum…

3. World of Insects

0.18 MILES

This entomological collection, housed in the classicist Hercer Palace, comprises nearly 4500 exhibits of the bug world, including 1000 different insect…

4. Statue of Bishop Grgur Ninski

0.19 MILES

The sculpture of medieval Croatian bishop Grgur Ninski was made by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović; it's a copy of the artist's original bronze…

6. Town Hall

0.2 MILES

This striking Romanesque-Gothic structure has been the town hall since the 16th century. Notice the town’s coat of arms at the foot of the tower and the…

7. Cathedral of the Assumption

0.28 MILES

This former Jesuit church, located southeast of Trg Kralja Tomislava, was built in 1646. The facade is distinguished by an early baroque portal bearing…

8. Croatian National Theatre

0.34 MILES

This stunning theatre was built in 1873 in neo-Renaissance style, following the designs of Hermann Helmer.