The National Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Bistrica

Krapina-Zagorje

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DESTINATIONS croatia krapinazagorje Do & See The National Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Bistrica

The National Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Bistrica

Shrine in Marija Bistrica became the national shrine in 1715 when the Croatian parliament built a big votive altar at the church in Marija Bistrica. As Marian devotions grew and many prayers got answered by seeking intercession of Saint Mary of Bistrica, the shrine’s church became tight and too small so Bistrica’s parish priest Juraj Žerjavić had the church and the parish house with arcades extended and reconstructed following the designs of architect Friedrich von Schmidt and his student Hermann Bollé. The new church was built in Neo-Renaissance style.

Do & See

For the escape from daily routine and obligations we recommend a program, which will fill your batteries. The number of riding terrains in Croatian Zagorje is great, and if you ride into any corner, the experience of landscape beauty, finely ruffled hills with mosaic forests, vineyards, Zagorje villages and fields, partially separated by river valleys, is unspeakable. Picturesque and hilly Croatian Zagorje is suitable for cycling. Zagorje abounds in tourist-recreational cycling routes that are adapted for the widest range of users, with a special accent on recreational cyclists, families with kids and juniors. If you are looking for something different, the greatest pleasure is to watch Zagorje from a balloon or just to come and enjoy a family picnic on a meadow and run barefoot over the mowed fragrant grass.