Traditional Rural Customs and Heritage of Central Croatia: Turopolje and Posavina

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Just south of Zagreb lies Turopolje, a large plain which was once covered with lush oak forests, and during past centuries was known as “Noble Municipality of Turopolje”. Get acquainted with the tales of Turopolje that have been passed down through centuries of turbulent history – stories about “podgutnica” – the forerunner of today’s neck tie, the festivities of St. George and St. Lucia, the secrets of the old castle Lukavec; and discover the “guardians of Turopolje” – enchanting wooden chapels built by local craftsmen during the Baroque period. To the east, Posavina, with its ethnographic heritage and well-maintained historical wooden houses, completes Turopolje. The village of Krapje, part of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, is like a rare pearl among examples of traditional wooden architecture which have been maintained, and is recognized as a European village of architectural heritage. Besides letting you enjoy the artistic masterpieces of local wood workers, this journey gives an opportunity to experience traditional village customs – how a typical village wedding looked, what dances were danced at festivals, what kind of jewelry was made and worn…

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Tour Highlights

• sightseeing of Velika Gorica, the largest and central town of Turopolje, with the Museum of Turopolje
• a visit to the local production facilities of fruit liqueurs and brandies
• performances of local cultural-artistic associations and workshops
• sightseeing of wooden chapels in the area which were constructed between the 17th and early 20th centuries, including a visit to the St. Barbara’s Chapel – the most attractive and most representative work of wooden sacral architecture in central Croatia
• a visit to the most preserved wooden manor house, a beautiful example of the original rustic architecture
• sightseeing of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, the largest protected swamp area in the Danube basin, boasting the village of Krapje, declared a “European Village of Architectural Heritage” in 1995
• a visit to an exhibit of the ethnographic heritage of Pokuplje and Turopolje, a collection with over 2000 displays, under the protection of the Ministry of Culture
• a visit to the local handicraft of tamburica Zagreb sightseeing

Duration: 5 days (+2 arrival and departure)

Groups: from 6 pax to 35 max

This program is recognized and supported by Croatian Ministry of Tourism, within the project “Discover Croatia” in 2010. and by Croatian Tourist Board in 2011.

ITINERARY – INFORMATION AND OPTIONS