VARAZDIN is situated 81km north of the Croatiancapital Zagreb. The first written reference to Varaždin dates back to 1181, when the nearby thermal springs Varaždinske Toplice were mentioned by King Bela III in a legal document. 
The city is renowned for the wonderful Baroque buildings from its 18th century prosperity - a beautiful 

Old town of Varaždin

Town Square, apicturesque Castle, parks, churches and aspectacular Cathedral. It is also a centre fortraditional crafts and gastronomy.All courses take place in the Baroque-style Erdödy Palace, home to the Varazdin Music School. Aestas Musica's performances are part of «Špancirfest», one of the most colourful festivals in Croatia. Aestas Musica's performances are part of «Špancirfest», one of the most colourful festivals in Croatia. Today Varaždin is a very popular destination for the summer holidays. In the summer time, actions are taken to attract the hundreds of thousands of tourists that come to Varaždin and its surroundings for the holidays. The city has numerous areas of interests ranging from cultural areas (reflected by many museums, galleries and theaters in the area), shopping centers in the downtown core, various sports and recreation facilities, also a rich history in cuisine. The close of the Varaždin Touristic Season is brought down by two annual festivals. The annual Špancir Fest begins at the end of August and ends in September (lasts for 10 days). At this time the city welcomes artists, street performers, musicians and vendors for what is called 'the street walking festival. To kick off the fall, the city welcomes world famous classical musicians in Varazdin's Baroque Evenings festival (Varaždinske Barokne Večeri). 

www.varazdin.hr 


Erdödy Palace – Music School built in 18th centrury
Music School in Varaždin is on of the oldest music schools in this part of Europe. It was established in 1828. as a part of Music Society to help young talented children without the means to attend the regular schools. Due to the financial difficulties the school was closed and opened several times but in 1936. it became the regular school under the State patronage. It was a primary school at the beginning but from 1952. it became a high school with several hundred pupils each year and at the top of the achievements rate in this part of Europe.