Sensational discovery as hidden city found beneath Croatian town

(Photo credit:Gradski muzej Čazma)

A major archaeological discovery has been made in the Croatian town of Čazma during energy renovation.

As MojPortal.hr writes, beneath the town museum, at a depth of around 2.5 metres, walls from a 13th-century bishop’s fortress have been uncovered.

The finding confirms long-held suspicions about an older medieval structure lying beneath the current museum building, which dates back to the 18th century.

According to museum director Maja Cepetić Rogić, archaeologists expected to find 15th-century remains—but the much older wall came as a surprise.

(Photo credit:Gradski muzej Čazma)

The fortress was once the residence of Zagreb’s bishops, who ruled Čazma autonomously, separate from royal authority.

Rich and powerful, the bishops brought Italian craftsmen to renovate the fortress in Renaissance style, with artefacts such as jewellery, pottery and ornate stoves found on site.

Historically, Čazma was an important city, boasting six churches and strong fortifications. Its strategic location made it valuable—and a target for Ottoman forces.

(Photo credit:Gradski muzej Čazma)

Just outside Čazma, another significant site—Gumnik Fortress—holds its own legends, including tales of Queen Mary of Anjou being held captive there in the 14th century.

One of Čazma’s most famous guests was Duke Koloman, brother of King Béla IV, who was buried in the lavish Church of St Mary Magdalene after falling in battle against the Tatars in 1241.

(Photo credit:Gradski muzej Čazma)

Excavations also hint at a former monastery beneath the town square, adding to Čazma’s rich medieval legacy.

(Photo credit:Gradski muzej Čazma)

Though the newly found walls are not yet on public display, the museum plans to document and preserve all finds, with hopes of future exhibitions that will bring Čazma’s remarkable past to light.