Adriatic Cruise Chronicle – Varazdin, Croatia

Town Square, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

Today, we were taken to the charming baroque city of Varazdin. Compared to Vienna back in the day, the city was an important center during the reign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. That is, until a fire in 1776 destroyed 80% of the city. After that, the power center moved to Zagreb, but the baroque charm remains. Above are the town hall and main square lined with cafes.

Stari Grad, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

The centerpiece of the town is ‘Stari Grad.’ The fortress dates to the 12th century and was the seat of power for whoever conquered the area. Now a museum, it is the main attraction of the town but is also closed for renovation. I’m glad this country is doing what it can to restore historic properties…just sorry I couldn’t see them on this visit.

Inside the Entomology Museum, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

Look at what else do we found here for the bug guy - the Museum of Entomology. This tidy little attraction houses the collected life work of a local scientist presented in an appealing way.

Look Down, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

I must admit the town does have exquisite manhole covers.

Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

All over Europe, couples have declared their love by placing a lock on public fences and bridge railings. Varazdin either lacks similar places or has the good sense to create an appealing alternative in keeping with its baroque styles. Our local tour guide, dressed in period costume, added to the authenticity of our visit.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary,

Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

We ducked into a modest church for a moment. The altar area is a fine representation of baroque excess with angels on top of statues on top of paintings on top of gold accents. When Pope John Paul II declared Varazdin a diocese in 1997, the church became a cathedral.

Tomorrow, we (finally) get to the coast and board the small ship that was the reason we booked this deal in the first place.