Watching over Zagreb since 1254, newly renovated Medvedgrad Castle is due to reopen its visitor centre on August 19 and plans to stage all kinds of cultural events, including a medieval fair at the end of September.
Abandoned in 1590 after a series of earthquakes had reduced it to rubble, the castle was only visited by the occasional hiker and treasure hunter for 400 years until archeologists began to research the site in 1979. One of the best preserved medieval castles in Croatia, Medvedgrad has seen its palace, fortifications, southern tower and Chapel of St Philip and Jacob rebuilt from ruins thanks to the recent renovation. The tower provides sublime views over the Croatian capital and beyond.
Though not in use until this year, the castle had lived on in the public imagination thanks to a popular local brewery, pioneering Medvedgrad, which has been depicting the historic landmark on its labels since 1994. Now it will be brought back to life with live music performances, film screenings and, in September, a medieval fair featuring a jousting tournament and dishes made from recipes created in the Middle Ages.
Part of Medvedgrad Nature Park, criss-crossed by hiking and mountain-bike trails, the castle also provides easy access to the Zrinksi Mine and Veternica Cave nearby.
Medvedgrad Castle Himper ulica 16 (medvedgrad.eu/en). Open 11am-6pm Tue-Sun. Tours 11am, 1pm & 4pm. Bus 128 to Lukšići-okretište/bus 102 to Potočani, then 30min walk.