Cemeteries and parks
The small intimate area of Varaždin’s historic core is adorned with a surprisingly large number of parks, gardens and promenades. The greenery facing the colourful Varaždin facades is simply perfect for a relaxing wander. Nevertheless, during one of the many Varaždin festivals and events, the deep shade under the trees transforms into a feel-good party zone – where literally anything is possible!
Varaždin cemetery is one of the most famous city attractions. It was devised by a visionary soul called Herman Haller, who not only designed a resting place of the dead, but also an outstanding example of landscape architecture and natural monuments. The cemetery was established in 1773 and in 1905 Herman arranged it in the form of a French park, creating an intimate oasis of contemplation and respect for nature and the Varaždin people buried there.
One of the most valuable monuments in the Varaždin cemetery is the ‘Angel of Death’, the work of Sculptor Robert Frangeš Mihanović, which symbolically shows the farewell of the living with the dead. Among other attractions, visitors should see the monument to Vatroslav Jagić, decorated with daily fresh flowers.
The cemetery is open to visitors every day:
January – February, November – December from 7:00 to 17:00
March – April, and October from 7:00 to 20:00
May – September from 7:00 to 21:00
In 1838, the town physicianDr. Wilim Bernhard Müller had started minor renovation works of the public promenade on the site of the former southern graveyard, where the City walls once stood. Its present ‘English style’ appearance, was finalized slightly later. Alternating dense plantations of tall trees with open grassy surfaces and special dark green conifers and light green hardwood provided a game of light and shadow, and a special atmosphere.
Varaždin locals refer to it simply as the “Park”. It connects an array of beautiful and important buildings – the building of the Croatian National Theatre, Villa Bedeković, the synagogue, the Zakmardy Palace and the Park Boutique Hotel.
The most recent park in the city located near the famous Varaždin Cemetary, dates from 2004. Its contemporary design with specially interpreted plant species cannot be found elsewhere in the city, which gives this park an educational flavour along with a water motif that mimics the Drava River.
The beauty of the Old Town lies not only in its thick walls and towers, yet also in its preserved ramparts and moats, all around the Old Town which were once integral to the impregnable fortress. Today, they have been transformed into a popular promenade from where you can admire the charming scenery and capture it on camera.
The Youth Park is the first such park in Varaždin, a conceptual continuation of the John Paul II Park. The Park’s activities are for young people of all ages and include: a playground, a skateboard track, swings, climbing rocks, etc. The children’s playground is adapted for children with special needs.
