Description

Stari Grad Varaždin is a fortress in Varaždin and a notable landmark. It is located on the northwestern edge of the city's historic center and currently houses the Varaždin City Museum.

First mentioned in the 12th century, it was believed to be the seat of Varaždin's župans. In the late 14th century, the Counts of Celje transformed it into a Gothic-style fortress, adding a central quadrangular structure surrounded by wooden palisades. In the 16th century, under Ivan Ungnad, it was renovated into a Renaissance fortification, featuring circular towers, earthen ramparts, and a water-filled moat, making it a typical "wasserburg" fortress. Domenico dell'Allio, an Italian builder active in Styria, led the renovation. By the end of the century, the Erdödy family, of Hungarian-Croatian nobility, took ownership and made minor Baroque-style adaptations.

Stari Grad was depicted on the now-obsolete 5 kuna Croatian banknote, although the fortress was printed in reverse.