On September 12, 2023, 10 castles and palaces from Croatia were awarded the Golden Pin, presented by Google based on user reviews and ratings on Google Maps. The Golden Pin project, previously successful in Poland, has now expanded to Croatia. Croatia is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, offering many hidden gems to discover. The Golden Pin award holds significance as it is an acknowledgment from users and travelers who have visited these places. Joško Mrndže, Google’s Regional Director for the Adriatic region, expressed his congratulations to the winners and hopes that more people will be inspired to visit these remarkable locations and appreciate their history and beauty.
The awarded castles and palaces from Croatia are as follows:
1. Diocletian’s Palace: Built around 300 AD in Split, this palace served as the imperial residence for Roman emperor Diocletian. It is included in UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage.
2. Eltz Manor: Located in Vukovar, this Baroque palace was constructed in the 18th century and now houses the Vukovar City Museum.
3. Trakošćan Castle: Situated in northern Croatia, this castle originated as a small medieval fortress in the 14th century. The Drašković family transformed it into a Neo-Gothic style manor-house with picturesque gardens and a large lake in the 19th century.
4. Veliki Tabor Castle: This Medieval and Renaissance castle, located near Desinić in Zagorje, dates back to the 12th century. Its exhibition showcases old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords, paintings, pottery, and provides information about the Ratkaj family, the castle’s most famous owners.
5. Frankopan Castle – Krk: Built by the Frankopani noble family in Krk, this castle allows visitors to view its entire exterior and interior by walking along its walls.
6. Kaštel-Morosini-Grimani: Centrally located in Svetvinčent, this castle was constructed in the 13th century and showcases late medieval and Renaissance architectural characteristics.
7. Sponza Palace: Dubrovnik’s most representative building of public importance, this palace holds valuable archival material of the Dubrovnik area. It has been preserved in its original form since its construction.
8. Čakovec Old Town: Međimurje’s most valuable cultural and historical monument, this old Renaissance palace transformed into a monumental baroque castle symbolizes the identity and tradition of Međimurje County.
9. Ozalj Castle: Once a medieval town, this castle above the river Kupa was converted into its current form in the 18th century. It served as a residence for noble families like the Zrinski and Frankopan. Today, it houses a museum of architecture and art from past centuries.
10. Trsat Castle: Recognized as a symbol of the city of Rijeka, this castle retains features of early medieval construction and hosts various summer concerts and open-air theatre performances.
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