Trakošćan: where Camelot is real
Who doesn’t know Arthurian legends? Camelot’s charm and Excalibur’s symbolism are legendary. A story that although fictitious has made us dream, and continues to make us dream, young and old. But there is a place where this magic appears real and it’s somewhere else where you can imagine.
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The story behind Trakošćan
This castle dated 1334 is located 86 kilometers from Zagreb.
The family that had the castle erected soon became extinct and thus passed from hand to hand until it became the property of Ivan Gyulay. Whose responsibility for three generations until the extinction of the family in 1566.
Its new owner became Juraj Drašković who received the castle as a gift from King Maximilian for the services rendered.
The castle was abandoned after the end of the Second World War, falling into a state of neglect and ruin.
Taken in the hands of the Republic of Croatia, restoration work began to bring it back to its former glory and allow it to visit its rich interiors as a permanent collection of weapons, ceramics, everyday objects, etc…
Between magic and history
The Croatian hinterland of Zagorije is dotted with castles and fortresses, but this more than any other impresses with its magnificence.
In this enchanted place it’s impossible not to feel in a fairy tale, maybe just Camelot.
Immersed in a fairy forest, with a body of water below to form a romantic pond, this fortification stands in a strategic position. Its tall and mighty watchtower controlled the road that led to Ptuj towards the valley of the Bednja river.
Over time and because of the numerous Ottoman invasions, the castle changed its appearance with the passing of the ages until it reaches us as it’s today: developed on four levels.
Info Point
The castle can be visited in winter (nov 1st-31st mar) 9-17 pm and in summer (1st apr-31st oct) 9-20 pm.
Children up to 7 years of age have free admission to the park and castle, while adults pay:
– 0,15 $ for the park
– 6 $ park + castle
– 3 $ park + castle (children up to 18 years)
(https://www.trakoscan.hr)
Sweet dreams: Holiday House Mala Vila Iva it’s located at half an hour by car from the Trakošćan castle and is completely surrounded by nature. Its rustic and original style will provide you with a corner of peace and serenity even in the midst of a cultural holiday. You will have everything you need from essential services as well as TV and heating, but Wi-Fi is banned. ($ 79 per night).
Book here and get $ 37 off.
Delicious treats: In nearby Ptuj it is a mandatory stop at Gostišče Majolka. Typical restaurant that is found along unpopulated itineraries and where you eat what the locals eat. Abundant dishes, typical 80s atmosphere and cheap price. (Jurovci 1B Videm pri ptuju, Ptuj, Slovenia)
The following article refers to a journey made before to the Coronavirus emergency. It aims to be for information purposes only for the future. #istayathome
Sounds like a really magical place. And a place where one doesn’t ever want to leave!
What a beautiful castle. Such pretty gardens.
That is gorgeous! I would definitely put it on my list of places to go.
Oohhh! A real-life castle–how dreamy! What a fun place to visit!
I love traveling so much! This is such a beautiful castle! I would love to visit it someday
Such a pretty place. It would be fun to explore the castle
It looks so pretty, and the grounds look incredibly peaceful. I’m impressed with the price too, that’s not bad at all!
i am so much in love with this place. Added to the bucket list
Oh my gosh I love the pictures since I am such a architecture buff. This is a great post thank for enlightening me.
This definutely sounds like a place I need to visit!
Awesome post!
What a gorgeous place! Magical almost! Plus I really love the vibe of your pictures 🙂
Wow, it sounds like a magical place! It’s stunning for sure! I’d love to visit there one day.
I love the romantic vibe of it! Looks so beautiful. There’s so many amazing places. Makes me wish I could just visit them all one day
What a stunning castle! I’ve not yet been to Zagreb, but this castle is definitely worth traveling there for.
Seems like a seriously amazing place to visit and I love the castle s=design. So much fun and a place I would want to visit for sure.
This looks like a great place to visit! I’ll have to keep it in mind for when I’m in the area.
This looks amazing. I’ve never even heard of Trakošćan. Thank you for putting it on my radar!
This is just so charming! I loved my time in Croatia, and whenever I return I’ll totally add this to the list :).
What a beautiful place to visit, I need to plan a vacation there next year with the family, I would love to see that place
I cannot wait to begin exploring the world and castles are on your bucket list! This one, in particular, is absolutely gorgeous!
Oh I love old castles! Very cool! I like all of the history too!
This place looks amazing! I’d love to visit one day!
I love this intro, great pics!
I would like to travel to Slovenia this winter, I think this castle surely looks amazing in wintertime too!
Great content, enjoyed reading it 🙂
I love visiting castles. I’ve seen a few in Europe. This one is in such good shape, I would love to see it!!
I would really like to visit this castle someday.
I will visit them someday
What a lovely place! I like to visit historical sites just to wander around and wonder about the people who used to live and work there. Someday…
Wow, I think these places are fascinating. It is very interesting to visit there! Thanks for sharing!
Incredibly interesting article, your photos are beautiful and fascinating. Super essay turned out. I definitely want to be there!