Varazdin
Interesting facts: Varazdin is the former capital of Croatia, also known as ‘Little Vienna’ due to close resemblance with the architecture of the Austrian capital of Vienna; it is one of the oldest counties in Croatia (1181) Varazdin County today is a vibrant region and an attractive tourist destination, with many palaces and castles, providing new opportunities to enjoy holidays in peaceful locations, taste local dishes and learn about the region through 'Holiday Homes with a Story'. It is the economic, academic, and cultural centre of this part of Croatia. Where are we? Placed in the north-western part of Croatia, sharing the border with Slovenia to the northwest and at proximity to Hungary and Austria
Varazdin County (Croatian: Varaždinska županija) is a county in the north-western part of Croatia. It is named after the County seat, the city of Varazdin. Varazdin County is one of 21 units of regional self- government in the Republic of Croatia.
Administratively, the County has 6 towns and 22 municipalities. It is one of the most densiely populate regions in Croatia and has a population of 159.487 (2023).
Its capital is the Town of Varazdin with some 47.000 inhabitants (2023). Today, Varazdin is a business, industrial, educational, administrative and health centre of the county and the wider region.
HISTORY
The history of Varazdin County dates back in 1181, when the first written reference to Varazdin, whose historical name is Garestin, was mentioned in a legal document by King Béla III, which makes it one of the oldest territorial units in Croatia.
The town of Varazdin was declared a free royal borough in 1209 by the Hungarian King Andrew II. The town became the economic and military centre of northern Croatia. The status of a free royal city enabled the accelerated economic and social development of Varazdin throughout the Middle Ages.
In the past, Varazdin County was a part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, i.e. the Habsburg monarchy before that. The territory of Varazdin County was part of the Kingdom of Croatia when it entered a personal union with the Kingdom of Hungary in 1102, and with it became part of the Habsburg monarchy in 1526.
It was a settlement of craftsmen and merchants which had an influence on development of the entrepreneurial spirit which has prevailed until today, as well as on the cuisine and dialect (some words were borrowed from German).
Due to Ottoman raids, the town was structured defensively around the old fortress, and acquired the shape of a typical medieval Wasserburg. This Wasserburg (the Old Town Varazdin) today is the City Museum Varazdin and is undoubtedly the most significant historical building in the city.
Varazdin as the capital
The city originated along the medieval castrum at the crossroads of ancient Roman roads. Its importance was confirmed in the middle of the 18th century, More precisely in 1756, when it became the seat of the ‘Ban’ (Vice-Roy), who brought together the political, economic and cultural elite of the Croatian Kingdom. This led to the decision of Empress Maria Theresa in 1767 to establish the Croatian Royal Council, i.e. the Government and to explicitly designate Varazdin as the seat of that body. Varazdin thus became the capital of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. Political power significantly changed the city with noble houses and palaces springing up almost overnight in the former settlement of craftsmen and merchants. However, in 1776, the big fire decimated almost 80% of Varazdin’s homes and buildings. Many abandoned Varazdin including The Ban, the Royal Council, the Parliament, nobility, numerous citizens and craftsmen, in turn ending the story of the capital for good. However, the citizens of Varazdin today enjoy living in their town, which has everything to offer for the high quality of life and being close to the European capitals in the neighbouring countries and the Mediterranean coastline in the south.
ECONOMY
In the economic profile of Varazdin County prevails the manufacturing industry, particularly dairy products processing, beverage production, meat packing industry, clothing and textiles industry, metal processing industry, leather footwear industry and manufacturing of high-quality wood furniture.
Varazdin County is the educational centre of this part of Croatia. It attracts students from many other parts of Croatia and the neighbouring countries. Faculties located in Varazdin County are the Faculty of Organisation and Informatics (University of Zagreb), University North, the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, Faculty of Textile Technology (University of Zagreb), Branch Faculty of Economy (University of Osijek).
Teaser:
The city of Varazdin is considered a must-see destination for international tourists. It is considered “Little Vienna” due to its Austro-Hungarian architectural heritage. The most important annual cultural events are the Špancirfest, a street festival of good emotions in summer and the classical music festival “Varazdin Baroque Evenings” which celebrates music, baroque architectural inheritance and authentic instruments in autumn.
Sources:
https://www.varazdinska-zupanija.hr/
https://visitvarazdin.hr/en/varazdin/
https://www.turizam-vzz.hr/en/
https://total-croatia-news.com/wine/wine-regions/varazdin-county-7/
www.varazdin.hr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vara%C5%BEdin_County_(former)
https://croatia2go.com/varazdin-county/