Hannah's Blog: Inbound Weekend Day 2

On Sunday (September 21st) we (the exchange students) rose early and took a 40 minute drive to Trakošćan Castle. The castle is located in the highlands and not far from Varaždin. The castle was built at the end of the 13th century but during the 19th century its owners renovated it into the Romantic style, saving it from complete ruin. Surrounding the castle is a gorgeous man-made lake and a large forested park. The castle was absolutely stunning. Unfortunately we were prohibited from taking photographs inside. Within the great walls lay preserved original material that is related to the architecture and lives of the owners. Each room was displayed beautifully and showed of paintings, furniture, weapons and many other artifacts. As we walked through the castle it was like taking a step back in time.

View of castle. Stables and other residences in foreground.

The castle.

Group Picture.

Looking up the hill at the castle. A long pathway that curves up the hill leads to the main gate.

The front gate.

Outdoor courtyard.

Door leading to inner courtyard and entrance to Castle.

Group Shot on the walkway above the inner courtyard.

Group in outer courtyard.

View.

We latter visited a second Caslte, Veliki Tabor Castle. Although it is currently undergoing a major restoration and much of the castle was covered in scaffolding, it was still beautiful. The parts that have been restored are magnificently done and really capture the castles essence. The museum within the castle is just starting out but already contains tonnes of information and a few small displays. When inside this castle it felt more rustic then the other. Built in the 12th century and having endured many attacks its a wonder that it is still standing. The local people thought that it would just fall down and never be reconstructed but now it is being given a second chance and will be returned to its original splendor and glory.

View of Castle and Construction.

Inner Courtyard. It has been reconstructed.

Locked up...

The wine cellar.

Little window seat.

Completely re-constructed building on the right. Partially reconstructed part of castle on the left.

Weapons displayed on the upper deck.

A room being reconstructed.

Outer wall. The castle was a defensive fort so it had very thick walls for protection.

View from the base of the castle.

The under construction part of the castle.

Before heading back to Zagreb we stopped at the "Staro Selo" Kumrovec Museum. It is a preserved village displaying life and customs of Hrvatsko Zagorje in the 19th and 20th centuries. It also happens to be the largest open air Museum in Croatia as well as the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito. It was a really nice place and I had a good time walking around the village while eating ice cream.