Krapinske Toplice is a municipality in Croatia. Krapinske Toplice is a famous thermal spa and one of the most idyllic corners of Hrvatsko Zagorje, located among the gentle Zagorje "hills". They are 46 km away from Zagreb, and the place itself is located in a valley that is open to the south. The altitude at which they are located is 164 m. Kosteljina flows southwest of Toplice.
Archaeological sites
On the hill
Zašat above Krapinske Toplice, ie near the church of Sv. The remains
of a prehistoric settlement were discovered by Mary Magdalene during
the renovation of the building, which was carried out in the 1990s.
It was the floor of an above-ground building made of wood, reeds and
clay coating, and in addition to the remains of architecture,
movable archeological finds were found, such as fragments of ceramic
pottery, pieces of house beauty, ceramic vertebrae and weights for a
loom. The prehistoric settlement was located at the top and on the
southern and western peak slopes of the hill, and was additionally
protected by an earthen rampart. On the north side, the settlement
was naturally protected by the steep slopes of the hill. Based on
the findings, the site is preliminarily dated to the Late Bronze
Age, ie. in the younger phase of the culture of the field with urns,
which in chronological sense would correspond to the time between
1000 and 800. pr. Kr. Due to intensive construction activities
related to the construction and renovation of the chapel of St. Mary
Magdalene and the mausoleum of Jacob Badl, as well as due to the
construction of cellars and cottages and the cultivation of land for
the needs of vineyards, it is assumed that the prehistoric
settlement is quite damaged.
Architectural heritage
In the
center of Krapinske Toplice is a very valuable construction complex
of today's Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation and Akromion.
At the western end of the promenade is the building of the former
fashionable restaurant and later "Ćilimare", and it is called
Bellevue.
In the center of Krapinske Toplice there is a
monument "Carrying the wounded" which is the work of the famous
Zagorje sculptor Antun Augustinčić. The monument was erected in
1973.
Above Krapinske Toplice on the hill Zašat, or. Sv.
Marija Magdalena, finds the mausoleum of Jakob Badl (Rogaška
Slatina, 1803 - Krapinske Toplice, 1884), the founder of the spa in
Krapinske Toplice. The tomb was erected in the late 19th century.
At the southern entrance to Krapinske Toplice, there used to be
a manor house known as "Lavoslavov dvor", which was finally
demolished a few years ago due to its dilapidated condition.
In Klokovac, on a slightly elevated position above the Kosteljina
valley, there is the Klokovec manor, which once belonged to the
Ožegović, Friedberg and Miletić families. It is assumed that it was
built in the first half of the 19th century. It was rebuilt in the
late 20th century.
In Čret, above the former brickyard, there
was once a mansion of the Palffy family from the 19th century, built
in the historicist style. After the nobles, there was an elementary
school in the curia, which was later moved to Krapinske Toplice. The
manor house was completely demolished during the 1990s and the
present building was erected on the same location.
In the
hamlet of Mališa in Čret there is a simple, ground floor manor
Rakitovec. The building is in pretty poor condition and would need
to be renovated.
In Gregurovac, on the right side of the
Kosteljina valley, there is an L-floor plan mansion, which used to
have only a ground floor, while the upper floor was wooden, and a
brick floor was added in 1905. At that time, the manor was equipped
with historicist plastic. On one of the door jambs on the ground
floor is the year 1875. The Gregurovec estate belonged to the
Vojković family, and then to the lawyer Steiner.
The
Kovačevec manor is a simple square building from the 19th century,
and was recently completely reconstructed. There used to be a pond
and ancillary outbuildings next to the manor, and the entire
property was built in a hidden valley outside the main traffic
routes. The Kovačevec estate once belonged to the Gjalski, Valičić
and Jelačić families.
In Lovreći Seli there is a mansion from
the 19th century, it has a simple square layout, and it was once
owned by the Oršić, Kuhtić, Folnegović and Radić families. At one
time, a four-year elementary school also operated in the manor,
which was later moved to the Čret manor due to the poor condition of
the building, and then finally to Krapinske Toplice. Today, only
half of the former mansion has been preserved, and it is in a very
poor condition and would need to be restored.
In the village
of Oratje, there is a manor Novaki from the 19th century.
Sacred architectural heritage
In Krapinske Toplice there is a
parish church of the Holy Trinity, and it was built between 1829 and
1832 on the ruins of a former church. In 1854, the old tower was
demolished and a new one was built. It is a single-nave, classicist
building. Since the parish of Toplice was first mentioned in 1303,
the site of today's church was probably once a medieval church.
The parish court (Kaj. Farof) in Krapinske Toplice was built in
1877. It is a simple, square building. The palace was completely
renovated in 2003. On the hill Zašat above Krapinske Toplice is the
chapel of St. Mary Magdalene. It was built in 1874. on the site of
an older wooden chapel mentioned in a canonical visitation in 1639.
On Hršak Breg is the chapel of St. Antun Padovanski from 1899,
built in the historicist style. It was raised by the contributions
of the parishioners. In the canonical visitations from 1676, a
"recently erected wooden chapel" is already mentioned at that
location.
Above the manor in Lovreći Seli on the border
between the municipality of Krapinske Toplice and the town of
Pregrada is the chapel of St. George. It was built during the 1970s
on the site of an older wooden chapel, of which there are records
from the 17th century. There used to be a cemetery around the chapel
and it was planned to raise the chapel to the level of the parish
church, but at the end of the 18th century the cemetery was
abandoned and burial continued in the cemetery in Pregrada. The
chapel belongs to the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
Mary from Pregrada.
Above the Kovačevec manor on a hill is
the chapel of St. Nikola (kaj. Mikula), built by Nikola Valičić
during the 1840s. It is a central building with an octagonal ground
plan, with a domed vault. It is an example of a unique classicist
architecture of the central type. The chapel was in very poor
condition and was recently restored.
In Klupci, on the border
between the municipality of Krapinske Toplice, the municipality of
Sveti Križ Začretje and the town of Zabok, there is a chapel of the
Mother of God Mary (Mother of God Klupiečka). The chapel got its
present appearance at the end of the 18th century, but there used to
be an older chapel on that place. Since written sources mention that
the chapel was dedicated by Bishop Stephen in 1502, the original
chapel was built during the 15th or early 16th century. Around the
chapel during the 18th and 19th centuries. there was also a
cemetery, which was finally abandoned with the opening of a new
cemetery in Sveti Križ Začretje in 1852. Today, the chapel is part
of the parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
In the
center of Vrtnjakovac there is a gift from the 19th century. in the
shape of a four-sided pillar, and is decorated with frescoes.
In Mala Erpenja there used to be a chapel of St. Helena, which
was abandoned in 1771, and the altar was transferred to the church
of St. Mary Magdalene.
In Klupci, on the hill of Čiženica, on
the border of the municipality of Krapinske Toplice and the
municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje, there used to be a chapel of
St. Vuka (German: Wolfgang, kaj. Bolfek), but due to its poor
condition it was demolished in 1771. The chapel is first mentioned
in visitations in 1639. as the chapel of St. Wolfgang in Kovačevac.
It was restored in 1742. owners of the Kovačevec estate, the Šaić
family. There used to be a cemetery around the chapel, but it was
abandoned after 1676 and 1708. there was a wine cellar near the
chapel. The chapel belonged to the parish of Sv. Cross of the
Conception.
In Čret, near the hamlet of Kranjčeci on the
border of the municipality of Krapinske Toplice and the town of
Krapina, there used to be a chapel of St. Gregor, but due to her
poor condition she was later abandoned.
Members of the Center
for Applied Archeology (cpa.zagorje@gmail.com),
a non-profit organization based in Krapinske Toplice, study cultural
heritage in the municipality of Krapinske Toplice.
Prehistoric Era
The history of Krapinske Toplice stretches back to
prehistoric times, with evidence of human activity in the surrounding
region dating to the Paleolithic period. While no direct Paleolithic
human remains have been found within the municipality itself, mammoth
tusks have been discovered, indicating the presence of large fauna. The
nearby Hušnjakovo hill in Krapina, just 15 km away, is one of the
world's most significant Neanderthal sites, where remains of Homo
sapiens neanderthalensis (commonly known as Krapina Neanderthals) were
unearthed. These fossils, estimated to be about 130,000 years old, were
discovered in 1899 by Croatian paleontologist Dragutin
Gorjanović-Kramberger during excavations that lasted until 1905. The
site has yielded abundant bones, tools, and remnants of extinct animals,
making it a cornerstone of global prehistoric research.
Moving into
later prehistoric periods, artifacts from the Neolithic and Copper Ages,
such as polished stone axes, have been found in the area. A notable Late
Bronze Age settlement (dated between 1200 and 800 BC) was identified on
Zašat hill, featuring remains of above-ground houses made from
brushwood, timber, and mud, along with ceramic vessels, a round ceramic
weight, and a stone hoe. This high-altitude site was fortified with a
rampart, suggesting organized communities that utilized the region's
natural resources for defense and sustenance. The Krapina Neanderthal
Museum, opened in 2010 and often called "Neandertalland," showcases
these findings through interactive exhibits, reconstructions, and
multimedia displays, highlighting the region's role in human evolution.
Ancient and Roman Period
During the Roman era, the thermal
springs of Krapinske Toplice gained prominence, earning the name Aquae
Vivae, Latin for "living water," due to their warm, healing properties.
The Romans, who ruled the territory, recognized the therapeutic value of
these natural hot springs and likely developed basic bathing facilities,
as was common in other parts of the empire. This period marks the
beginning of the area's association with wellness, with the springs
serving as a draw for Roman soldiers and settlers. The broader Zagorje
region, including nearby sites like Varaždinske Toplice (ancient Aquae
Iasae), saw the establishment of thermal spa towns featuring
architecture such as basilicas and forums. Although specific Roman ruins
in Krapinske Toplice are not extensively preserved, the legacy of Aquae
Vivae underscores the site's enduring appeal as a health destination.
Medieval Period
The first documented mention of Krapinske Toplice
appears in 1334, in the parish list of the Zagreb Diocese, which refers
to the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Toplice. This indicates the
establishment of organized religious and community structures in the
area during the medieval period. The region faced significant challenges
from Ottoman incursions in the 15th to 17th centuries, prompting an
influx of people seeking refuge in the hilly, forested landscape of
Zagorje. Nobility responded by constructing fortified castles, such as
Trakošćan and Veliki Tabor, which became symbols of defense and status.
In 1609, Franjo Keglević, then-owner of the spa, built a xenodochium—a
guest house or early form of hospital—between the local church and the
bathing area, laying the foundation for the town's future as a healing
center. Folk legends and historical stories from this era abound,
reflecting Zagorje's role as a cultural and strategic haven.
Early Modern to 19th Century
The 19th century marked a pivotal
transformation for Krapinske Toplice into a recognized spa resort. In
1859, merchant Jakov Badl acquired the existing baths and invested
heavily in infrastructure, constructing new bathing facilities, a hotel,
a health resort, a restaurant, and landscaped parks with alleys. These
developments elevated the town to international prominence, earning gold
medals for tourist quality at exhibitions in 1882 and 1885. This era
capitalized on the natural thermal waters, attracting visitors for
recreation and balneotherapy, and aligning with broader European trends
in health tourism. The region's culinary delicacies, vineyards, and
forests further enhanced its appeal as a serene retreat.
20th
Century and Modern Era
The mid-20th century saw the formal
establishment of a Spa Resort, which evolved into the Hospital for
Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation about a decade later. Expansions
included departments for rheumatology, orthopedics, neurology, and
cardiology, with two new hospital buildings added by the century's end.
In 1994, it was officially renamed the Special Hospital for Medical
Rehabilitation Krapinske Toplice. Following Croatia's independence after
the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995), the town became a focal
point for private healthcare investments. In 1996, Magdalena opened as
Croatia's first private clinic, followed by the Akromion orthopedic
hospital in 2008. Today, Krapinske Toplice thrives as a wellness
destination, blending its historical thermal heritage with modern
facilities for recreation, therapy, and tourism. The surrounding Zagorje
area, with its castles, museums, and natural beauty, continues to draw
visitors interested in Croatia's multifaceted history. Population trends
show fluctuations, peaking at 8,120 in 1948 before declining to current
levels, influenced by post-war migrations and economic shifts.
Overview and Location
Krapinske Toplice is a small municipality
and village located in the Krapina-Zagorje County in northwestern
Croatia. It lies approximately 45 km northwest of the capital city,
Zagreb, in the heart of the Hrvatsko Zagorje region. The name "Zagorje"
translates to "behind the hills" or "backland," reflecting its position
relative to the Medvednica mountain range to the south. Geographically,
the area is positioned at coordinates around 46°06′N 15°51′E, with the
central settlement at an elevation of about 155 meters above sea level.
The municipality spans a total area of 48.8 km², encompassing a mix of
rural settlements, forests, and agricultural lands.
This region forms
part of the broader Pannonian Basin's transitional zone, where the
flatlands of the Croatian interior give way to the undulating hills and
valleys characteristic of the Dinaric Alps' foothills. Krapinske Toplice
is nestled in a narrow valley, bordered by the Sutla River to the west,
which also marks a portion of the natural boundary between Croatia and
Slovenia. The area's strategic location has historically made it a hub
for thermal tourism, leveraging its natural springs, while its proximity
to larger towns like Krapina (about 10 km northeast) integrates it into
the regional network of Zagorje's cultural and natural sites, including
the famous Neanderthal archaeological site at Hušnjakovo.
Topography and Landscape
The topography of Krapinske Toplice is
dominated by a picturesque valley setting, encircled by rolling,
forested hills that rise gently from the valley floor. These hills are
part of the Zagorje hill country, with elevations typically ranging from
200 to 400 meters, creating a sheltered micro-environment. The landscape
features a blend of low-lying valleys interspersed with wooded ridges,
vineyards, and meadows, typical of the region's karst-influenced
terrain. The hills provide a natural amphitheater around the town,
contributing to its serene and isolated feel, while offering scenic
vistas of the surrounding countryside.
To the north and east, the
terrain becomes more rugged, transitioning into the higher plateaus and
hills near Krapina, while southward it descends toward the Zagreb
lowlands. Notable nearby elevations include the Strahinjčica hill
(around 846 meters) to the northwest, which overlooks the Sutla Valley.
The area's geology is shaped by sedimentary deposits from the Miocene
era, with layers of marl, sandstone, and limestone facilitating the
emergence of thermal springs. This karst landscape also leads to
occasional sinkholes and underground water channels, adding to the
region's hydrological complexity.
The broader Zagorje region,
including Krapinske Toplice, is known for its verdant, undulating hills
that support a mosaic of forests and farmlands. This creates a visually
striking environment, with red-roofed villages dotting the green slopes,
and occasional historic structures like castles perched on hilltops,
such as those visible in panoramic views of the area.
Hydrography
Hydrography plays a central role in Krapinske Toplice's geography,
primarily due to its renowned thermal springs. These hyperthermal waters
emerge from deep underground aquifers at temperatures up to 41°C, rich
in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and hydrocarbons, making the area a
prime spa destination. The springs are fed by geothermal activity linked
to the region's tectonic faults, with water sources originating from
rainfall infiltrating the porous limestone hills.
The Sutla River, a
tributary of the Sava, flows along the western edge of the municipality,
providing a vital waterway that enhances the local ecosystem. This
river, approximately 91 km long, originates in Slovenia and meanders
through the valley, supporting riparian habitats and occasional
wetlands. Smaller streams and brooks, such as those draining the
surrounding hills, feed into the Sutla, contributing to the area's lush
vegetation. The combination of surface and subsurface waters creates a
humid microclimate in the valley, with natural pools and artificial
reservoirs developed for therapeutic and recreational use.
Climate
Krapinske Toplice experiences a moderate continental climate,
influenced by its valley location and proximity to the Alps. Summers are
warm and humid, with average temperatures around 20-25°C, while winters
are cold, often dropping to 0-5°C, with occasional snowfall. Annual
precipitation is moderate to high, around 900-1,100 mm, distributed
fairly evenly but peaking in late spring and autumn. The surrounding
hills act as a barrier, moderating winds and creating pockets of warmer
air near the thermal springs, which can raise local temperatures by a
few degrees. This microclimate supports viticulture and agriculture in
the region, though it also increases the risk of fog in the valleys
during cooler months.
Flora, Fauna, and Ecological Features
The geography fosters a diverse ecosystem, with dense deciduous forests
covering the hillsides, dominated by oak, beech, and hornbeam trees.
Lower valleys feature meadows and orchards, while riparian zones along
the Sutla support willows and alders. The area's biodiversity includes
common European wildlife such as deer, foxes, and various bird species,
with the forests providing habitats for protected flora like orchids and
ferns. The thermal springs create unique microhabitats for thermophilic
organisms, adding ecological interest. Overall, the region's natural
beauty is preserved through protected areas, emphasizing sustainable
tourism amid its forested hills and valleys.