Krapina-Zagorje County is located in northwestern Croatia,
bordering with Slovenia, Varaždin County and Zagreb, with an extraordinary rich
history and cultural heritage. No other part of Croatia offers as many medieval
castles and fortifications, churches, abbeys, and archeological sites. The
region also boasts five museums.
Veliki Tabor Castle is one of the best
preserved late medieval castles in Croatia. Built by the royal owners and then
given to the noble Rattkay family in the 16th century, it remained
their estate till 1793. The oldest part of the complex was used as a residence
and for defense. The semi-circular towers were built when firearms became an
important element of warfare.
A newly renovated part and the central tower opened
to the public in 2011 with the exhibitions: Veliki
Tabor in the Light of Discovery and Age
of Fortifications – Fort Vrbovec. They give general information on the
history of the castle, their owners but also about the vast archaeological and
restoration work of the site and in the surroundings.
Architecture seen from a distance or from a
spot in front of the entrance gate, the massive towers and high walls are
equally impressive. Beautiful views open on all sides to picturesque scenery of
the region. You can escape to the past undisturbed and return enriched with the
romantic experience of the former times.
For
Information and Reservations
Go
on a theme guided tour focusing on the Ratkay family who ruled over Veliki
Tabor from 1502 to 1793 and their cultural and historical contributions
Hear
legends and stories about the Zagorje castles
Join
a costumed guided tour providing a unique perspective on Hrvatsko zagorje history from the late Middle Ages
to the 19th century
Learn
about the Veliki Tabor fireplaces and how the castle was heated and the open
fireplaces tiled with different motifs from late Gothic period to the
Renaissance, and
Art-conservation,
restoration and archaeological research.
Veliki Tabor Workshops
Medieval Weapons – a costumed knight introduces
children to medieval weapons and protective armor. In addition, there is a
presentation of the making of protective armored clothing from metal knockers
or the making of the medieval bow and arrow.
Archery – presents the use of bow and arrow
and pointing to the target. Then, participants engage in a competition,
followed by the announcement of winners and the awards ceremony with
participants receiving written certificates.
An Introduction to
Veliki Tabor –
a workshop using a PowerPoint presentation on the importance of Veliki Tabor
and its individual segments, constituting a unified late medieval
fortification. The second interactive
part of the workshop focuses on children using wooden materials to construct
Veliki Tabor Castle.
Puppet Making – guignol of Veronika Desinićka and
Friedrich. Puppet performances for children by a travelling medieval puppet
show, entertaining visitors with new performances.
The Museums of Krapina-Zagorje in Croatia
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