Dvor Veliki Tabor
One of the best-preserved late medieval and Renaissance fortified castles in continental Croatia, near Desinić.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The name of the castle derives from the word “tabor”, which denoted a war camp or a fortification built for defence against the Ottomans. It was built by the noble Rattkay family during the 16th century and held by them until 1793. The oldest part of the complex is the central fortress with residential and defensive functions; four semicircular towers were erected in the 16th century, and in the 17th century rooms were added along the north wall.
The first mention of Veliki Tabor is in the donation charter of Ivaniš Korvin from 1502, which gave Pavao Ratkaj “our castle Thabor” for his merits in the fights against the Ottomans. Archaeological research has confirmed that the oldest parts of the castle date from the 15th century. Among its owners the painter Oton Iveković stands out; he often depicted the castle and the surrounding landscape in his works.
At the beginning of the 1990s, by decree of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the castle was handed over for use to the Muzeji Hrvatskog zagorja (Museums of Hrvatsko zagorje). Extensive restoration, conservation and construction works have been under way since 2004, so Veliki Tabor is today one of the best-preserved and most presented medieval castles in Croatia.
Highlights
- Four semicircular towers from the 16th century
- Central fortress with a courtyard
- The castle as a motif of the painter Oton Iveković
- Costumed and themed guided tours
Permanent exhibition
- Razgled utvrđenog dvorca – Tour of the fortress with the central courtyard, towers and gallery spaces of the castle.
- Operated by
- Muzeji Hrvatskog zagorja
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5children, students and people over 65 |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 3 · Children up to 3 years have free admission. |
| Seniors | €5People over 65 years of age. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Upon presentation of the relevant card; an accompanying person enters free of charge. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (31+ people) | €6.50 per personGroups of more than 30 people: adults €6.50, children €4.50 (cash payment or pro-forma invoice only); two escorts per 30 people enter free of charge. |
| Families | €15Parents with minor children, up to two adult tickets. |
| Guided tour in Croatian | €25 |
| Guided tour in English | €30 |
| Costumed guided tour in English | €35 |
| Themed guided tour in Croatian | €45 |
| Themed guided tour in English | €50 |
Free admission for members of the Hrvatsko muzejsko društvo and ICOM, and for residents of the Municipality of Desinić with an identity card. Members of HAK, UHPA and the Savez izviđača Hrvatske receive a 20% discount. The discount can only be used on one basis.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €15 · Parents with minor children, up to two adult tickets. |
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers costumed guided tours as well as museum-educational workshops and performances; the family ticket is valid for parents with minor children.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The following spaces are available for hire: the courtyard (€100 per hour), the courtyard with galleries (€150 per hour), the outdoor area around the castle (€50 per hour), the wine cellar and a multimedia hall with 80 chairs. Prices apply during the museum’s opening hours.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography and filming for personal use, without publication rights, are permitted free of charge. |
| Good to know | Group bookings and reservations: tel. +385 49 374 970, rezervacije-dvt@mhz.hr. |
