Varaždin County: Roman History and Culture

Aquae Iasae tells the story of an important Roman settlement at a thermal spring, Lepoglava is known for its bobbin lace, and Trakošćan for its historic castle complex and park forest. Varaždin County brings together a variety of themes: Roman history, culture, landscapes and routes for excursions. This makes the region appealing to travellers who want to plan their stay around specific sights and experiences.

Roman heritage and historic buildings

From the 1st to the 4th century, Aquae Iasae stood at a thermal spring in the area of what is now Varaždinske Toplice. The Roman settlement is considered one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of its kind in Croatia. Its public area included bath buildings with pools and a basilica, a forum with colonnades around the main thermal spring, and a capitol with temples to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. These architectural features offer insight into the different functions of the ancient complex. Varaždinske Toplice also has a thermal spring and is considered a modern thermal spa; the Roman history and the town’s present-day character offer two different perspectives on the theme of thermal waters.

In the town of Varaždin, Stari grad is its most important historic building. In around 40 museum rooms, visitors can see collections of guild objects, furniture, portraits, weapons, paintings, clocks, porcelain and glass, as well as other items from the everyday lives of Varaždin’s nobility and wealthy middle class. Another historic site is Stari grad Ivanec: it is considered one of the county’s most valuable historical and archaeological sites and is particularly significant to Ivanec’s historical development.

Dvor Trakošćan also brings together architectural and cultural history. In the Bednjanski kraj area, the castle, its associated buildings, park grounds and park forest with a lake form a protected historic complex. The permanent exhibition presents the world of Croatian nobility and the history of the Drašković family through objects from the 15th to the 19th century. For travellers interested in exhibitions and historic collections, this offers a different perspective on the past from the Roman remains in Varaždinske Toplice.

Lace-making, pilgrimage and everyday history

Lepoglava is one of Croatia’s three most important lace-making centres and is associated with bobbin lace. The International Lace Festivals have been held continuously since 1997. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates and programme for the year of your stay.

The history of pilgrimage and religious art are central to several sights in Ludbreg. The Shrine of the Precious Blood is unique in Croatia and is one of the few shrines in the world to have been recognised by a papal bull. Along the Stations of the Cross, an open-air permanent exhibition displays mosaics made of Murano glass. Ludbreška Sveta nedjelja is one of Croatia’s oldest pilgrimage traditions; the event dates and programme may vary from year to year.

Bakina hiža and Dedekov dvor in Ludbreg offer further insights into local history. They display furniture, household items and tools for the home and garden from the time of great-grandparents. A permanent exhibition of archival material and a permanent collection of religious art are housed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Batthyany Castle. Each of these places focuses on a different aspect, from family life to religious and historical collections.

Parks, geology and nature

The Trakošćan park forest includes the park grounds around the castle and the surrounding woodland by Lake Trakošćan. The artificial lake covers approximately 23 hectares. Those interested in landscape design will also find the Opeka Arboretum in the county, a protected natural rarity and a horticultural monument.

Near Lepoglava is Gaveznica–Kameni vrh, a fossil volcano formed approximately 22 million years ago. Gaveznica is also known as the first agate deposit discovered in Croatia. These geological features are quite different from the region’s historic collections and buildings. Varaždin Cemetery is also described as more than a burial ground: the site is considered an example of park architecture and a natural monument. Its sights include Robert Frangeš Mihanović’s “Angel of Death” monument and the tomb monument to Vatroslav Jagić.

Cycling and planning excursions

For cycling trips, the county offers four road cycling routes and one cycling route that partly runs away from paved roads. The “Od dvorca do dvorca” route connects Stari grad in Varaždin with Trakošćan Castle. The “Toplička ruta” leads to Varaždinske Toplice, home to Croatia’s oldest thermal baths and the archaeological excavations of a Roman thermal bath. The two routes described have different focuses: one connects two castles, while the other combines thermal history and Roman excavations.

Around Novi Marof, well-developed walking, hiking and cycling trails lead to viewpoints, healing water springs, distinctive rocks and excursion destinations. Near Ludbreg, an urban circular route passes through the historic old town and across Otok mladosti, close to the Bednja River and its dam. For families and other travellers who want to include leisure facilities in their plans, the Topličica excursion area near Novi Marof offers two large pools with slides, a children’s amusement park and tennis courts.

Aquacity, also known as “Varaždinsko more,” is located three kilometres from the centre of Varaždin. Visitors can go for walks, swim and relax there. If you plan to take part in these activities, check the current conditions in advance.

Regional cuisine

Regional products may also be part of your trip planning: fifteen food and drink establishments in the county hold the “Okusi varaždinskog kraja” standard. It represents local dishes, drinks and traditional homemade products.

This helps you choose a destination to suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Varaždin, Varaždinske Toplice, Petrijanec, Gornji Kneginec, Municipality of Jalžabet, Municipality of Ivanec, Municipality of Bednja, Municipality of Lepoglava, Municipality of Maruševec, Municipality of Donja Voća, Municipality of Ludbreg, Municipality of Novi Marof, Municipality of Varaždinske Toplice, Municipality of Visoko, Municipality of Beretinec

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