The old town of Varaždin is a fortress in Varaždin and one of its sights. It is located on the northwestern edge of Varaždin's city center, and today it houses the Varaždin City Museum. The fortress was first mentioned in the 12th century and is believed to have been the seat of Varaždin County. At the end of the 14th century it came into the possession of counts who rebuilt it in the Gothic style. The central quadrangular building originates from that time, around which wooden palisades were originally located. The fortress underwent a major renovation in the 16th century, when it was rebuilt into a modern Renaissance fortification.