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© iStock/xbrchx

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Čakovec, a proud leader of the north of Croatia

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Welcome to the northernmost and smallest county in CroatiaMeđimurje.  Surrounded by the Mura and the Drava rivers, Međimurje touches the Alps but also the Pannonian Plain, and it's the county with only three cities. One of them is Čakovec, a proud leader of the north of Croatia. Čakovec is a small town, but a town of big heart and cheerful spirit. If someone allowed you to travel through space and time right now, I would recommend visiting Čakovec at the end of July.  Let's see why!

A little bit about the history

When traveling somewhere for the 1st time, it's nice to know a little about the history of the city and country we are touring. As I mentioned above, Čakovec is a town in Međimurje County, about 90 kilometers from Zagreb, near the Mura River. Čakovec today has about 30.000 inhabitants. It has always been the center of Međimurje, and as such, it is an important historical hub of this part of Croatia. The history of the city goes back to the 1st century when it was mentioned as a Roman fort. It is introduced with its current name as early as the 14th century when Count Csaki erected a wooden fort in the town that would later expand to the old town of Čakovec. In the 16th century, the town and the entire area were ruled by the famous Zrinski family. At that time, Čakovec became a prominent political and cultural center, the leader among northern Croatian towns. And, since the middle of the 19th century, it was connected by rail with Budapest, Rijeka, and Trieste - becoming an important trading station too.

© maxpixel.net / author unknown
© maxpixel.net / author unknown

Čakovec today

You can learn more about the history of the place if you go to the Međimurje Museum, located in the heart of the old town, the Čakovec Castle. A rich collection of about 17.000 items will tell you the history of this place and region. The 7-century-old castle symbolizes all the layers and stages it has gone through. More artistic, architectural styles are visible on the façade and in the construction of this beautiful building. The castle is located in the city center in Zrinski Park.

Čakovec Castle, Međimurje
Čakovec Castle, Međimurje
Ul. Perivoj Zrinskih 7, 40000, Čakovec, Croacia
© iStock/Dreamer4787
© iStock/Dreamer4787

Porcijunkulovo Festival

Porcijunkulovo is a festival that sets Čakovec in different colors and brings here people from all over Croatia. This interesting festival takes place every year in late July and early August and connects the food producers, various handmade crafters, and curious visitors. During this festival, the city is full of people, and social media feeds are flooded with pictures of the colorful umbrellas that the city is adorned with. A great music program, a variety of food, and colorful umbrellas make for an outstanding experience at the Porcijunkulovo Festival in Čakovec.

Porcijunkulovo Festival, Čakovec
Porcijunkulovo Festival, Čakovec
Čakovec, Croacia
© iStock/Marko Horvart
© iStock/Marko Horvart

Čakovec is a small place, but full of surprises. If you have already toured all the way around the city, then you have to go to the river Mura which passes nearby. Come here and find out why the colorful Čakovec is the proud leader of the north of Croatia for centuries.

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The author

Marko Radojević

Marko Radojević

I am Marko, 28 years old, from Croatia. Travel, languages and nature enthusiast, lover and explorer. I share about my beautiful country.

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