Varazdin, known as “Little Vienna” among Croatians, owes its Baroque bonanza to its position as Croatia’s capital from 1756 to 1776. Though its reign was short lived (a fire in 1776 destroyed much of the town and the capital was moved back to Zagreb) during those two decades, religious orders, noble families and wealthy tradesmen brought in some of the country’s best architects and painters to construct mansions and palaces.
As an homage to its historic heritage, every year in late September to early October the city holds the internationally acclaimed Varaždin Baroque Evenings, during which soloists, orchestras and opera singers from around the world gather to fete Baroque music. Performances are held across the city as well as in castles and churches in neighbouring towns.
