Enter Varaždin county to see a world of silk and stone. This is the top spot for a **Baroque Croatia road trip**. The main town is full of bright palaces painted yellow and pink. These colors were very popular hundreds of years ago. Park near the **Old Town fortress** and walk across the drawbridge. This white castle once protected the capital of the country from invaders. The gardens are full of old statues and hidden paths. You can spend hours exploring the town square and its beautiful clock tower. The streets are paved with smooth stones that have been there for centuries. The hills around the city grow the famous **Varaždin cabbage**. This cabbage is so good it has its own festival every autumn. This area is also known for pumpkin seed oil which locals call "black gold." Visit a local mill to see the dark green oil being pressed from the seeds. It has a rich nutty taste that goes perfectly with a fresh salad. You can see many **angel statues** on the church walls in the city. People call it the "City of Angels" because of this beautiful art. Every corner has a hidden courtyard or a piece of history waiting for you to find it. Stop at the **Varaždin Cemetery** which is a world-famous park of artfully shaped thuja trees. For a hidden gem drive to **Lepoglava** to see the Pauline monastery and the delicate lace-making museum. Visit the **Arboretum Opeka** in Marčan to see the giant Caucasian fir trees planted in the 19th century. If you visit in late August the "Špancirfest" festival turns every street into a stage for street performers. Grab a bag of "klipići" (salted dough rolls) from a local bakery to fuel your walk through the fortress bastions.

Varaždin (county) highlights

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The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Varaždin (county)

Varaždin was once the glamorous capital of Croatia until a catastrophic fire in 1776 sent the government packing. Before the flames, the city was a **Baroque Versailles** filled with silk-clad nobles, grand balls, and high-stakes politics. The aristocracy spent fortunes building urban palaces that rivaled those in Vienna, creating an atmosphere of permanent celebration and power. The white fortress of the Old Town still stands today, guarded by thick grass mounds and deep moats. In the hills of Lepoglava, the history is delicate and dangerous. While the men were off at war, the women created **Lepoglava Lace**, a craft so complex it is now protected by UNESCO. This intricate work became a symbol of national identity, often used to decorate the altars of the country's most significant cathedrals. This same town also houses a monastery that once held a secret prison, blending the world of high art with the harsh reality of history. Nature here is literally prehistoric. You can visit the Gaveznica volcano, the only place in Croatia where you can find **semi-precious agate** stones formed by ancient lava. These stones were highly prized by 19th-century jewelers who traveled from as far as Trieste to trade for the finest specimens. The roads are lined with green walls of trimmed trees and 18th-century mansions, making it the most elegant driving route in the northern plains.

Varaždin (county)