Heritage
Feel the spirit of the Štrigova region
The pride and resilience of the people from Međimurje has resided in the Štrigova region since ancient times. The traditional popevka songs used to resonate in homes, vineyards, valleys, and hills, while people were writing, creating, painting, playing games and dancing. Over time, these customs have led to a rich cultural legacy, deeply embedded in the spirit and soul of the people. Some have been kept in churches, others in the protected form of speech, while others still live on in the tales.
Come and feel the unique spirit of Štrigova!
Church of St. Jerome
The Church of St. Jerome with its two towers stands on elevated grounds above the centre of Štrigova. On its site, a church had already existed before the 15th century, but it was burned down during the Turkish campaign on Vienna. It had likely been built with wood. The Counts of Celje later erected a new one, believed to have been damaged in the 1738 earthquake. The present-day church was built between 1738 and 1749, with the Pauline monastery constructed alongside it. In 1761, the bell towers were added, after the choir section had been completed nine years before, in 1752. The church stands out with its two towers, which are a common feature of cathedrals. Its floor plan closely reflects that of the famous St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. But the church’s greatest treasure is inside of it, namely, the renowned fresco painter Ivan Ranger adorned part of the sanctuary in the 18th century.
Church of Saint Mary Magdalene
The parish church of Saint Mary Magdalene stands right in the centre of Štrigova. A religious structure on the site was first mentioned as early as 1334, although the present-day church dates back to the Gothic period, as illustrated by its sanctuary.
A Gothic ribbed vault spans over the sanctuary, and there are preserved wall paintings dating back to the 15th century. The church began to take on its Baroque character in the 17th century, when a bell tower was added beside the sanctuary and St Joseph's chapel was built alongside the nave. By the mid-18th century, the chapel was extended into a dual-nave form. The interior furnishings also date back to the 18th century.
The Štrigova subdialect
The Register of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia includes as many as fifteen cultural assets from Međimurje. Among them, the Štrigova area is especially known for preserving the traditional popevka song and, above all, for the Štrigova subdialect. The Štrigova subdialect has been a vibrant symbol of oral tradition, the most vital means of everyday communication and understanding, in homes, villages, and the community.
The World Centre of Pušipel
The Centre’s exhibit offers an immersive journey along the Međimurje Wine Road, divided into themed sections. It showcases the historical evolution of viticulture and winemaking emphasizing the rich traditions in Međimurje, its customs, myths and legends, and the social and cultural phenomena related to wine and the grape varieties cultivated in Upper Međimurje. Visitors get to learn about the entire winegrowing and -making process, distinct activities in vineyards and cellars, tools and techniques used once and today, and about the unique terroir of the region. The local winemakers also tell their personal stories and philosophies. The experience culminates in wine tasting along the Međimurje Wine Road featuring Pušipel, the region’s signature wine and a protected brand, introduced by sommeliers or the winemakers themselves.
Osojnički Gallery
An international open-air sculpture collection in Grabrovnik is curated by academic sculptor Vesna Osojnički. Open to visitors year-round, the gallery is situated near the artist’s home. In addition to the ceramic sculptures created by its founder, the collection features works by artists from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Austria, and many other countries.