Krapina-Zagorje County
If you were to seek a place for living suited to humans, away from the industrial and urban frameworks of the world we live in, you would surely choose Zagorje among many others. It is an oasis of preserved nature, greenery, clean air, and mild, health-beneficial waters. The cultural heritage of feudalism in this area is marked by the harmony of the architecture of numerous castles and manor houses with the idyllic nature.
According to available data, the written history of the present-day area of Krapina-Zagorje County begins at the end of the 12th century. Based on archaeological findings, it can be concluded that organized life existed in the area during the Bronze Age. The Bronze Age population inhabited the rocky hill in the area of today’s Krapina 3,000 years ago, as evidenced by numerous ceramic fragments, a stone mold for casting, bronze axes, and dwellings. On Hušnjakovo Hill near Krapina, remains of a cave man who knew how to use fire and lived off hunting were discovered. This is one of the largest European sites. The discovery of around 1,200 pieces of stone tools suggests that the cave man belonged to the well-known prehistoric culture (Premousterian). On the Podoštinje Hill, above Radoboj, 11 prehistoric burial mounds were found in 1850. Among the finds were roof tiles, pieces of iron, and several pots and urns. A stone axe was also discovered in a stream near Radoboj.
Cultural Heritage
The Secrets Are Hidden
One of the sweetest secrets has been jealously guarded by the Zagorje hills for centuries. While the world suffered from wars, greed, and human madness, Zagorje lived in “peace.” Wise people recognized this, and soon the hills became home to a large number of magnificent castles, manor houses, and lush green and floral gardens. Where there are castles, there are also literary evenings, plays, actors, musicians, concerts, songs, folklore, and traditional “popevka” singing. That unique country spirit still lives on today. The countryside is a fairy tale, and in Zagorje, it’s right at your fingertips.
The countryside spirit of Zagorje is best experienced through its rich cultural offerings. It’s a tradition that has thrived for centuries on the green hills, “under the old roofs,” in the salons and gardens of numerous castles. Nowhere else is there such a concentration of castles per square kilometer as in Zagorje.
