Lukavec Castle was built as a line of defense against the Ottomans. It was primarily constructed using wood, but it has been changed and upgraded throughout its history. The Castle's history and beauty are immense, which can be seen from the fact that August Šenoa and Marija Jurić Zagorka wrote about it. Today's version of Lukavec, constructed with concrete, first came into being in the 18th century. Shortly after its reconstruction then, it was used as a prison for murderers and criminals of all sorts. The Castle was also a place of imprisonment of witches called “coprnice”, who were sentenced to death and burned at the stake. At the end of April, shortly before St. George's Day, Lukavec traditionally sparks back into life to observe the festivities by making a large bonfire to symbolically chase winter away and to celebrate the coming of spring. Turopoljsko Jurjevo, celebrated at the end of April, and Perunfest, celebrated at the end of May are the most prominent festivities.
Lukavec Citadel-Castle – Velika Gorica
