Zrinski Castle

Zrinski Castle in Čakovec
	Northeast side of the castle in winter
Alternative name (s):	Čakovec Castle
Creation time :	13th Century
Castle type :	Moated castle
Conservation status:	most essential ; parts preserved, in ; need of renovation
Standing position :	Nobles
Construction:	Ashlar , brick
Place:	Čakovec , Croatia
Geographical location	46 ° 23 '18.2 " N , 16 ° 26' 22.2" E Coordinates: 46 ° 23 '18.2 " N , 16 ° 26' 22.2" E

The Zrinski castle is located in the north of Croatia near the city center Čakovec and represents the largest castle in the County of Međimurje is.

The castle bears its name thanks to the noble family Zrinski , whose members owned it for around 150 years. The castle was also owned by the Dukes of Lacković , Counts of Cilli , Counts of Ernušt , Counts of Feštetić and the Counts of Althan .

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Čakovec was one of the main points of defense against the advancing Ottomans within the historical military border . During this time, the castle was expanded into a modern fortress with a surrounding moat and bastions . In later years the castle was rebuilt several times.

In the 17th century, the Bibliotheca Zriniana , the famous book collection of the Croatian Banus Nikolaus Zrinski , was housed in the castle.

Today it serves as a tourist attraction. The Museum of Međimurje , located in the Palas is the plant's repository of 17,000 valuable exhibits. The castle is surrounded by Zrinski Park with its sculptures, monuments and memorials.