Lovers of history, especially the 19th century, will be intrigued by a visit to Zaprešić in October. Zapresić is a city in northwestern Croatia, located 18 kilometers from Zagreb, which celebrates the character and the work of Josip Jelačić, the Croatian Ban (Duke), whose name symbolizes the aspiration of the Croatian people for autonomy and independence from imperial conquerors. After a turbulent life spent in the struggle for Croatian national interests, Jelačić was buried in the chapel of Sv. Josip (St. Joseph) in Zaprešić. In 1991 his remains were moved to the family tomb containing the remains of another 13 members of this noble family.
During the event ‘Days of Jelačić’ which celebrates the birth of Ban Jelačić (16 October 1801), a ball is held as well as a hurdle riding tournament and a business fair. Visitors to the event can visit the New Jelačić Palace, a valuable example of the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, and other numerous attractions and sights are offered in the vicinity of the city.
Some of the most beautiful parts of the Croatian cultural, historical and artistic heritage are preserved in the area of Zaprešić. This especially applies to the 18th and 19th century castles which speak of the European Baroque taste of their owners. In the wider area of Zaprešić there are six preserved castles. Two belong to the highest category of listed buildings - a baroque castle Oršić in Gornja Bistra and Januševec in the area of Brdovec, which has a reputation of being the most beautiful monument of classicist architecture in Croatia. There are also the baroque castle Lužnica in Šibice, Laduč (in Brdovec) and Novi Dvori in Zaprešić. Apart from the castles, there are old manors, churches and old traditional Zagorje houses.
Josip Jelačić was Croatian, Slavonian and Dalmatian ban from 1848 until his death in 1859. In history he is remembered as a ban that, in 1848, abolished serfdom in Croatia. Since he got the majority of Croatian territory back after many centuries, he became a symbol of Croatian defense of state and national interests. This year, in his honor, the ‘Days of Jelačić’ will be held 3-17 October.
The Tourist Board of Zagreb County
www.tzzz.hr
The City of Zaprešić
www.zapresic.hr