Trakošćan was built in the 13th century within Croatias northwestern fortification system, as a rather small observation fortress for
monitoring the road from Ptuj to Bednja Valley.^  According to a legend, Trakošćan was named after another fortification (arx Thacorum) that was alleged to have stood in the same spot back in
antiquity. Another source claims that it was named after the knights of
Drachenstein who were in control of the region in early Middle  In Ages. In 1953. museum was established with it’s permenant display. Museum is owned by Republic of Croatia.