# Erdödy castle, Kerestinec

- **Country:** Croatia
- **Coordinates:** 45.774491, 15.817051
- **Notes:** Kerestinec Castle is a castle constructed by the Erdödy family in Kerestinec, Croatia, near the town of Sveta Nedelja. It is a 1st category monument. It is a two-story structure with a square layout and cylindrical corner towers and open arcades in the courtyard. This is a Renaissance castle with fortified elements.
- **Year Built:** 16th century
- **Castle Type:** Castle
- **Location Text:** Kerestinec, Sveta Nedjelja, Zagreb County

Kerestinec Castle, located in Kerestinec near Sveta Nedelja in Croatia, is a Renaissance fortress built by the prominent Erdödy family beginning in 1575. The castle features a distinctive two-story design with a square layout, cylindrical corner towers, and open arcades in its courtyard, combining Renaissance architectural elements with fortified defensive features. Originally surrounded by a wide moat, the structure was initiated under Count Petar II. Erdödy and underwent continuous expansion and renewal through the late 16th century, with significant reconstructions occurring during the 18th and 19th centuries and full refurnishment in the early 20th century.

Throughout its history, Kerestinec Castle has served as an important political and administrative center. The fortress housed several Croatian bans and hosted sessions of the Croatian parliament during the 17th and 18th centuries. The castle witnessed significant historical events, including damage during the Croatian-Slovene Peasants' Revolt of 1573 and the Kerestinec Revolt of 1936.

During World War II, the castle's role changed dramatically when it was converted into a prison camp, first operated by the Yugoslav government and later by the Ustaše movement. Following the war, it served as a military installation. Today, the castle remains under the ownership of the Town of Sveta Nedelja and functions as a cultural venue, hosting various events throughout the year. Recognized as a first-category monument, the castle awaits development of its permanent future purpose.

![Photo of Erdödy castle, Kerestinec](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Z-720_Dvorac_Kerestinec_%282%29.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erdödy_castle,_Kerestinec (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)