From the fortress to the palace

The second phase of reconstruction took place in the 1860s when the south and west tower were connected to the high ground floor by a terrace. The third phase of reconstruction took place at the time of John IX Drašković and his wife Julijana who chose Trakošćan for their permanent residence. The renovation changed the exterior appearance of the castle and its function. From a medieval military fortress it became a residential palace.

In addition to the interior decoration, Trakošćan estate was transformed, in accordance with the new economic and social conditions, into the farming and forestry estate. In that period, the northern entrance tower with a movable bridge was erected and the southwestern terrace was overarched.