Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Varaždin Cathedral)

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, commonly known as Varaždin Cathedral, stands as a prominent Baroque landmark in the heart of Varaždin, Croatia. Built between 1642 and 1646 by the Jesuit order and commissioned by Count Gašpar Drašković, the cathedral’s early Baroque facade is distinguished by the Drašković family coat of arms. The bell tower, completed in 1676, and the sacristy, finished in 1726, add to its historical layers.

Inside, visitors find a single nave flanked by three pairs of side chapels and a barrel-vaulted presbytery. The main altar, completed in 1737, is notable for its dramatic spatial arrangement and theatrical Baroque effects. Intricate engravings and a gilded painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary draw attention in the central nave. The interior decoration features the work of renowned artists such as Ivan Walz, Anton Joseph Quadrio, Blasius Grueber, and Filip Jakob Straub.

The cathedral’s acoustics are excellent, making it a favored venue for concerts, especially during the annual Varaždin Baroque Evenings festival. Over its long history, the building has served various roles, including as a Jesuit church, a Pauline church, and even a military facility before being reconsecrated in 1797. Since 1997, it has been the seat of the Diocese of Varaždin. Visitors can appreciate both its artistic heritage and its ongoing role in the city’s cultural and religious life.