# Veliki Bukovec Castle

- **Country:** Croatia
- **Coordinates:** 46.285980, 16.707630
- **Notes:** Veliki Bukovac Castle (Dvorac Drašković) is a castle in Veliki Bukovec. Already in the 16th century, a fortress was built in Veliki Bukovac, which served as a refuge for the surrounding population (from Turkish ravages). In the mid-17th century, Count Ivan Drašković transformed the Veliki Bukovac estate into a manor house, with a noble manor house in Veliki Bukovac. The castle was built in the mid-18th century and was a favorite residence of the Counts Drašković. At the end of the 20th century, the castle and park were renovated for the needs of the new owner.
- **Year Built:** 18th century (1745–1755)
- **Castle Type:** Castle
- **Location Text:** Veliki Bukovec, Varaždin County

Veliki Bukovec Castle is a historic residence situated in the municipality of Veliki Bukovec within Varaždin County, Croatia. Constructed between 1745 and 1755, this baroque-style estate served as the ancestral seat of the prominent House of Drašković for generations. Its architectural presence in the Drava lowlands reflects the grandeur typical of mid-18th-century noble residences in the region. The castle stands as a significant cultural landmark, representing the enduring legacy of one of Croatia's most influential aristocratic families.

The property has witnessed a turbulent history, particularly during the 20th century. With the onset of World War II, owners Pavao and Eliza Drašković fled to Austria, leaving the estate behind. Following the war, the arrival of the communist regime in Yugoslavia led to the nationalization of the castle in 1945. It remained under state control for decades until the political landscape shifted with the independence of Croatia. In the 1990s, Karlo Drašković, accompanied by his son Nikola, returned from Güssing to successfully reclaim ownership of the family home, marking a rare instance of restitution for properties seized during the communist era.

Today, Veliki Bukovec Castle remains a private holding of the Drašković family, symbolizing both historical continuity and resilience. While specific details regarding its current public accessibility or internal condition are limited in available records, its survival and return to original owners make it a unique chapter in Croatian heritage. The castle continues to stand as a testament to the region's complex social and political evolution over the last three centuries.

![Photo of Veliki Bukovec Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Z-1241_Dvor_Dra%C5%A1kovi%C4%87_-_Veliki_Bukovec_03.jpg)

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