The Varaždin Civil Guard is now listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage!
Known as “Purgari”, the Varaždin Civil Guard has watched over the city for the past two and a half centuries. First recognized by Austrian Empress Maria Theresa in 1750, members of the civil guard must be a man born in Varaždin who is proud of its honor and is irreproachably honest, says the Tourist Board of Varaždin.
The Purgari wear a blue grenadier uniform with tall fur hats and play a crucial part in many secular and religious events. The ceremonial changing of the guard is held on Saturdays in front of the Varaždin City Hall.
Tourist Board of Varaždin
HRTurizam reports on April 13, 2017, that the Varaždin Civil Guard is now listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage which ensures the protection of this practice as an essential part of Varaždin's cultural heritage.
Here’s a closer look!
