Kerestinec Castle

Kerestinec Castle is a quadrangular fortress near Zagreb featuring a two-story design with cylindrical corner towers and open arcades surrounding the internal courtyard. The square layout with these connecting galleries creates a defensive yet elegant structure typical of Renaissance castle architecture.

Construction began in 1575 under Petar II Erdödy, who built the fortress as a display of the family's growing power in the region. The moat surrounding the structure was part of broader defensive strategies that Croatian nobles employed during this period of territorial consolidation.

The castle served as a meeting place for Croatian parliamentary sessions during the 1600s and 1700s, reflecting how such noble estates shaped the region's governance. It was a center where decisions affecting the country were made and debated.

The castle is located in a quiet area outside Zagreb and is best reached by car from the city center. The warmer months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the outdoor areas and the surrounding grounds at your own pace.

The structure served as a prison camp during World War II, changing hands between different military administrations throughout the conflict. This chapter in its past remains an important part of understanding how the building was repurposed during times of war.