Varaždin, Baroque town center in Varaždin, Croatia
Varaždin is a town with a baroque center located along the southern bank of the Drava River, defined by buildings with decorative facades and generous public squares. The architecture dates mainly from the 18th century, featuring multi-story residential and administrative buildings that frame the streets and spaces.
The town received the status of a free royal borough in 1209 under King Andrew II and became an important economic center in northern Croatia. Following Austrian occupation and administration in the 17th century, it developed during the baroque period into the form we see today.
The old town squares are framed by colorful facades of houses and palaces where locals and visitors gather throughout the day. These spaces host markets, street musicians, and outdoor seating that create the social heart of the town.
The town is easy to explore on foot since the main sights lie within the compact center and most streets are open to visitors. Parking is available around the old town, and various viewpoints from rooftops or small streets offer changing perspectives of the buildings and squares.
The town hosts evening concerts during September where classical musicians perform inside historic buildings throughout the center. The acoustics of these rooms create a special connection between the music and the baroque architecture that surrounds it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.