Varaždin, Croatia

This beautiful Baroque town, once the capital of Croatia in the 15th century, lies ~80 km north of Zagreb.  It is not difficult to understand why the inhabitants are so proud of their heritage - it is blessed with so many well preserved Baroque buildings.  

Varaždin Castle in the Old Town

I first saw the Castle in the Old Town, with its pristine white rounded towers that is typical of the Gothic architecture in Croatia, on a poster in one of the corridors in the office.  Today, it houses the Town Museum, but unfortunately it was closed on the day of visit.  Circling the Castle is a low hill, and from the foot paths the visitor can see the surrounding areas, including the very ugly telecommunications building with its roof covered in higgledy piggledy antennae.  

Main Square, Varaždin

Spire of Varaždin Cathedral

Naive art at the Main Square, Varaždin

The Varaždin cemetery dates back to the 18th century and it was for a long time an ordinary place until 1905, when the Viennese architect Herman Haller had an idea to make it more beautiful and park-like with large trees and alleys for citizens to stroll through. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have visited. It is an outstanding example of landscape architecture and protected cultural and natural park.

Varaždin Cemetery

The crematorium at Varaždin Cemetery

Stall outside Varaždin Cemetary, selling lamps