Erdödy Castle in Jastrebarsko (Photo: Miroslav Vajdic/CC BY-SA 4.0)
JASTREBARSKO, 26 July 2026 (Hina) – One of Croatia’s oldest preserved cultural monuments is nearing the end of a major restoration, with Erdödy Castle in Jastrebarsko expected to open its doors to visitors in mid 2027.
The castle, regarded as a symbol of Jastrebarsko, is currently in the final phase of structural and construction works. The remaining work includes the installation of stone paving in the atrium, the completion of flooring and paving inside the castle, and work on walls and lighting.
The construction phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, after which the castle will be equipped and prepared for its new uses.
“Citizens should be able to enter the castle in the middle of next year, once the first facilities are put into operation,” Petra Aralica from the City of Jastrebarsko said.
The restoration proved more complex than initially expected. The castle had already suffered serious damage in the Zagreb and Petrinja earthquakes and was given a red notice after being assessed as unsafe.
Once collapsed structural sections were removed, experts found that the underlying structural elements were in significantly worse condition than originally anticipated. The same was discovered in parts of the exterior and interior walls after the removal of plaster.
As a result, the project and building permit were amended in 2023, while construction deadlines were extended. The completion date was consequently moved from spring to the end of 2026.
A castle with more than 500 years of history
Erdödy Castle was built by Ban Matija Gereb between 1483 and 1489. The noble Erdödy family controlled the castle from the beginning of the 16th century until 1922.
The castle played an important defensive role during the Ottoman conquests. Stjepan Erdödy also founded a natural history museum there.
Its architectural features include an inner courtyard with arcades and Baroque elements. Part of the castle’s heritage is currently presented at the Jastrebarsko City Museum.
The castle is surrounded by the 9.47-hectare Erdödy Park, designed in the English landscape style around the turn of the 20th century. The park was declared a monument of garden architecture in 1964.
The park also includes the Žitnica building, a former agricultural structure belonging to the Erdödy family, which was restored in 2026.
(Photo: Miroslav Vajdic/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Following a severe storm in 2013, which destroyed or damaged around 200 trees in the park, the City of Jastrebarsko launched a €322,584 project to restore and revitalise the historic grounds.
New cultural and public role
The castle is being restored under strict conservation guidelines, with the aim of preserving as many original elements as possible.
Once opened, it is expected to become a new cultural and public space for the city.
The first facilities planned for the castle include a library, additional spaces for the local music school, a gallery, a hospitality venue and a souvenir shop. Space will also be provided for associations, cultural activities and youth programmes.
The castle’s atrium is expected to provide a new setting for cultural events and other public gatherings.
The total contracted value of the restoration works is €25 million. The project is being financed through several sources, including EU funding provided through the ITU mechanism, state budget funds, support from Zagreb County and a loan taken on by the City of Jastrebarsko.
After years of structural challenges and unexpected damage, one of Croatia’s oldest historic castles is now approaching a new chapter – one in which its restored spaces will once again be accessible to the public.
