Varazdin Travel Guide, Croatia

Varazdin Travel Guide – A Rare Urban Pearl of Europe

Situated on the right bank of the Drava River 120 miles form Rijeka and 143 miles from Osijek in north-western Croatia, the city of Varazdin is part of the historical chain of central European towns. The diversity of the historical and cultural sites offered by the city and its surroundings makes Varazdin become one of the most important tourist cities in northern Croatia.

The city name has been changed several times along its history. Today’s Varazdin comes from its old name Garestin, first mentioned in a written document of the year 1181, signed by King Bela III.

This small baroque town is known as being also named ”Small Vienna”, probably because of its similarity with old Baroque architecture style of Vienna as well as, many of the important buildings in the city were designed by some of the most famous Viennese architects.

The urban heart of the city has been perfectly preserved. Its old town fortification, splendid Baroque buildings, numerous museums and galleries, and its old park-cemetery, which is now a horticultural monument, attract visitors from all over the world.

Varazdin Travel Guide – The ”Purgari” Civil Guard

Varazdin gained its popularity around Europe for its famous old city guard, the “Purgari” officers, standing guard by the Town Hall, an old Baroque building from 1523, still continuing in its function. The tradition of guarding the Town Hall has been preserved since the time of Austrian empress Maria Theresa, around the year 1750. In times of war risk, the “Purgari” Civil Guard performed a backup service in the city, while their peacetime functions were honorary and ceremonial. The “Purgari” officers, beautifully dressed in blue grenadier uniforms, with a particularly attractive high Subaru made of fur, became a kind of trademark-symbol and decoration of Varazdin. The members of the guard may be only real Varazdin citizens selected after their exceptional behavior and patriotism. Today, the guard-changing ceremony takes place on every Saturday and represents the main attraction for lots of visitors.

Varazdin Travel Guide – Accommodation & Local Transport

The city of Varazdin and its extremely beautiful surroundings offer a diversity of accommodations that include hotels and guest houses, motels, bed & breakfast inns and pensions. Booking can be done well in advance. The chance of tasting some special traditional cuisine served in all restaurants in Varazdin, should not be missed.

Varazdin travel guide points out that the city is easily accessible by car, by bus or by train. The city itself is connected to the suburbs by a public transport system of buses which provides a service of high quality. An on-call taxi service is also available as well as Rent-a-car facilities.

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