Day Trips for History & Culture

Homeland War Museum Archives

WiTHiN EASy REACH Of ZAGREB THERE’S A HOST Of NATuRAL AND CuLTuRAL ATTRACTiONS. HERE’S OuR TOP 8, THEy’RE WELL WORTH SEEiNG SO DON’T MiSS OuT!

DuBOvAC CASTLE (STARi GRAD DuBOvAC) Its name originating from the oak forests of the area (Dub or Dab = Oak), the Old Town of Dubovac dates back to the 13th century. Dubovac Castle is only a short walk away from the centre of town (northwest from the Star), just head for the highest hill your eye can see. Once you reach the top of the castle-s prehistoric hill, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city below and its long stretching Kupa River. The castle was built in the 13th century for the Gorić-Babonić counts and further expanded upon in the 15th century where the castle was rebuilt in Renaissance fashion. The former owners included the noble Slavonian Sudars (1387) and the Frankopans (1442). By the 16th century, it had passed into the hands of Stjepan Frankopan’s sister Katarina as a wedding gift when she married the famous Croatian nobleman and warrior, Nikola Šubić Zrinski. Gašpar Šubić Peranski possessed the property in 1576 and in the later part of the 16th century Dubovac Castle was used as a granary as the developing town of Karlovac became an important trade centre. The keep, then entered by a small drawbridge, was used as a jail. From 1671 onwards until the arrival of the French in 1809, the old city was owned by the generals of Karlovac. In 1837 Earl Laval Nugent restored it in the spirit of Romanticism. It was later bought by the city of Dubovac in 1896. Perfectly located, the preserved castle and tower is remarkably charming…you almost expect to see figures from another era dashing about.QZagrad Gaj ul. 5, Karlovac, tel. (+385‑ 47) 61 59 80. Open 10:00‑18:00; closed Mon. Last ad‑ mission 30 minutes before closing. GALLERy jOSEPH GENERALić iN HLEBiNE (GALERijA jOSiP GENERALić - HLEBiNE) Naïve art is a famous technique of Croatian painting with motifs of village life a key figure. See some of the gems created by Generalić as well as personal items, family photos, pictures, and drawings depicting his life.QLjudevita Gaja 75, Hlebine, tel. (+385‑48) 83 64 30/(+385‑) 098 971 38 46, 098 95145 96, www.galerija‑josip‑generalic. hr. Open 09:30.16:30; Sat 10:30‑15:30; Sun 11:00‑15:00; closed Mon. Admission 5 ‑ 10kn.

HOLANDSKA KućA (“THE DuTCH HOuSE”) The “Dutch House” is a welcome new addition to the institutions preserving and promoting Croatia’s industrial heritage. In Sisak, a city well-known as an industrial centre, the unusual pyramid-shaped façade of the Dutch House truly evokes the buildings on Amsterdam’s canal sides. It was built in the 19th century as commercial premises and a large warehouse. The beautifully restored complex also houses the Striegl art gallery and the Kraker collection of phonographs, gramophones and radios. QRimska ulica br. 10, Sisak, tel. (+385‑44) 811 811, www.tzg‑sisak.hr/ info‑centar‑industrijske‑bastine‑holandska‑kuca/. Open 07:30‑15:30; Sat, Sun 10:00‑14:00; closed Mon. 10 ‑ 15 kn.

KRAPiNA NEANDERTHAL MuSEuM (MuZEj KRAPiNSKiH NEANDERTALACA) The Neanderthal Museum in Krapina was opened in February 2010 and is a brilliant day out. Designed by Croatian experts with the assistance of museums, artists

and multimedia experts from around the globe, it uses leading-edge technology to create a unique experience. It illustrates the story of life on Earth and the evolution of mankind, explaining the importance of fossilised Neanderthal remains discovered here and the way that their significance was deciphered. The museum is located at Hušnjakovo, the site where fossilised Neanderthal remains dating back 130 000 years were found. After enjoying the interactive museum displays, you can walk outside and see the site of the dig.QŠetalište Vilibalda Sluge bb, Krapina, tel. (+385‑49) 37 14 91, fax (+385‑49) 37 49 68, www.mkn.mhz.hr. Open 09:00‑17:00; closed Mon. Last entrance an hour before closing. Admission 60/30 kn.

MODić BEDEKOvić KuRijA Built in 1806 by assessor Petar Modić, this kurija is still in the Modić-Bedeković family, which is perhaps why it is the best preserved kurija in Turopolje. As was traditionally the case with these two-storey houses, the ground floor is given over to storage and utility rooms, while the living quarters are upstairs. A grand room called the palača was reserved for receiving guests, and by all accounts there were plenty of them here, as the Modić’s entertained the cream of Croatian literary society. Since this is a private house, sadly you won’t be able to see upstairs, although the caretaker might be around and show you the ground floor spaces. The house is still furnished and decorated in 19th century style. The interior walls are plastered. This was the home of twin sisters Vilma and Milka Bedeković, born in 1883. Highly educated, especially for their time, both sisters were artistic souls. Milka not only studied art in Paris and Munich and taught at the school for young ladies in Zagreb, she also took part in the public life of Velika Gorica, sitting on the town council. The sisters bequeathed a number of her paintings as well as other artefacts to the Turopolje Museum. Visits to the Modić Bedeković Kurija will be orga‑ nized exclusively with prior notice. QDonja Lom‑ nica, tel. (+385‑1) 622 13 25, www.muzej‑turopolja.hr. Open 09:00‑15:00; Sat, Sun 10:00‑13:00; closed Mon. Open by prior arrangement. Admission 20kn. MuSEuM Of THE CROATiAN WAR Of iNDEPENDENCE (MuZEj DOMOviNSKOG RATA KARLOvAC) 50 km southwest of Zagreb,the city of Karlovac was founded in 1579 to defend the southern borders of the Austrian Empire against the Ottoman Empire. In the 1990s it retained its strategic role and was the scene of bitter fighting between the armies of the Republic of Croatia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Serbian Krajina. At Turanj, just off the motorway on the road to the Plitvice National Park, a former military barracks has been transformed into a modern interactive museum about the history of the war and its impact on the city’s people. It’s well worth stopping to explore, for adults and kids alike. QTuranj 2, Karlovac, tel. (+385‑47) 659 097, www.gmk.hr. Open 08:00‑18:00; Sat, Sun 10:00‑18:00; closed Mon. 25 ‑ 60 kn. Family Admission 120 kn.

THE ANTuN AuGuSTiNčić STuDiO GALLERy Antun Augustinčić, one of the foremost 20th century Croatian sculptors, donated his life’s works to his home town. His great ability to create on a grand scale can be seen in the giant relief and statue of Matija Gubec in Gornja Stubica, but he is also very successful on a smaller scale which makes a visit to this museum essential for anyone with even a passing interest in sculpture. Possibly children would be impressed, too.QUlica dr. Ivana Broza 2,, Klan‑ jec, tel. (+385‑49) 55 03 43. Open 09:00‑16:00; closed Mon. Admisson 15/55 kn.

vELiKi TABOR CASTLE (DvOR vELiKi TABOR) Veliki Tabor is one of the best preserved late medieval and renaissance fortified settlements in inland Croatia, and is a mighty construction indeed, dominating a hilltop and visible for miles around. It was built by the aristocratic Rattkay family in the 16th century, and remained in their hands until 1793. The oldest part of the complex is the late gothic palace which was their residence. The palace is surrounded by four semi-circular renaissance towers, and this complex was encircled by a defensive wall with a bastion. The views from its hilltop are fabulous.QKošnički Hum 1, Desinić, tel. (+385‑49) 37 49 70, www.veliki‑tabor.hr/. Open 09:00‑16:00; closed Mon. Admission 25/15 kn.

VARAŽDIN COUNTY tourist board

Photo by Miljenko Hegedić

Although third in terms of population, Varaždin County is one of the smaller Croatian counties, located in the northwestern part of the country.

This is the region where hills meet the valleys, where the tips of the Alps touch the great Pannonian plain, thus enchanting its visitors and providing them with long-lasting and unforgettable experiences.

Exceptional beauty of the surrounding landscape, an abundance of cultural monuments and a rich gastronomic heritage all intertwine to create this especially beautiful destination.

vARAžDiN OLD TOWN The first image of Varaždin that comes to mind is the postcard-like setting of the Old Town, the most important and most magnificent historical structure in the city. Today, the Old Town houses the City Museum, a must for every visitor, while the medieval city walls and moats surrounding it provide a pleasant stroll for the people of Varaždin and their guests. Strossmayerovo šetalište bb, Varaždin, www.gmv.hr

vARAžDiN HiSTORiC CiTy CORE In the historical necklace of Central European cities, Varaždin stands as a rare, urban pearl. It is a city of harmony and charm, a city that shows its urban identity and continuity not only through the historical Old Town and the beauty of the city’s Baroque architecture, but also through the cosiness of its squares, streets and parks, and the richness of the museum collections. Varaždin has been nicknamed the ‘Croatian Vienna’, a city of baroque, music and flowers, a place that serves as a perfect retreat for its visitors.

Photo by Jurinec photography Photo by Domagoj Sever Photo by Domagoj Sever

ROMANTiC TRAKOšćAN CASTLE Trakošćan is a castle with fairytale beauty in northern Croatia and one of the most romantic castles that you can visit in your lifetime. Surrounded by the beautiful forest and lake park, the eight-centuries-old castle is one of the most attractive castle-museums in Europe. Learn all about the Thracian fortress, Arx Thracorum and the German knights, Drachenstein, explore the legends of the dragon and the lavish life of the Croatian aristocracy over the past centuries. Trakošćan 4, Bednja, www.trakoscan.hr

THE BEAuTy Of LEPOGLAvA LACE This miraculous lace, which is believed to have been brought to Croatia by the Paulines several centuries ago, is a special feature of Lepoglava and the surrounding area. In 2009, lace making was included in the representative UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage, and the true art of Lepoglava lace makers can best be experienced at the “International Lace Festival”, which is held every September. If you do not have the opportunity to visit the Festival you can view the exhibits and buy this unique, local artwork at the Lepoglava Lace Gallery. Hrvatskih pavlina 7, Lepoglava, www.lepoglavska‑ cipka.hr

SWEETEN yOuR PALATE - TRy vARAžDiNSKE TOPLiCE ‘SPA CAKE’ If you are in Varaždinske Toplice, the oldest thermal spa in Croatia, make sure you try the magic dessert - Toplice‘spa cake’. The cake combines eggs, sugar, nuts, black coffee, milk and chocolate and a ‘secret ingredient’ to make an irresistible treat. Spa cake is made according to a recipe from the 19th century and is decorated in the traditional way. The treat was served in the Varaždinske Toplice restaurants at the time when the area was known as one of the most prominent Central European spa resorts. The accepted way to do it then, was to serve it to the guests during the long afternoon hours with champagne. Today you can taste the famous ‘Spa Cake’ in the Bernarda restaurant. Zagrebačka 7, Varaždinske Toplice, www.restoran‑ bernarda.eu

OiL fOR GOOD HEALTH AND TOP GASTRONOMiC PLEASuRE Pumpkin seed oil, once only a locally prized food, is today an indispensable part of the culinary creations of the world’s most famous chefs. Produced by the traditional high-quality pumpkin seed pressing process, this oil is a unique gift of nature, a natural remedy and a true delicacy. The Andreja Petrović Family Farm Visitor Center will introduce its guests to the process of pumpkin seed oil production and other pumpkin seed and spelt products on offer. Tasting is, naturally, an essential and enjoyable part of the visit. Zagrebačka 238, Varaždin, www.eko‑petrovic.hr

LEARN HOW TO MAKE ORGANiC COSMETiCS “Kuća magične trave” (“House of Magic Grass”) is a brand of domestic, ecological cosmetics produced from medicinal plants and biodynamic cultivation, at the Family Farm Jakopović, which is situated on the slopes of Paka near Novi Marof. Cosmetic products are made according to innovative recipes. They are environmentally certified and contain no preservatives, parabens or artificial colors, and have been in the service of health and beauty overt he past ten years. Enjoy the fresh air in the fields of the ‘House of Magic Grass’ in Paka, learn how to make ecological cosmetics from medicinal herbs and feel the magical power of serenity at this charming estate. Paka 26, Novi Marof, www.opg‑jakopovic.hr