Marija Bistrica is a small place in the northwestern region of Hrvatsko Zagorje first mentioned in the beginning of the 13th century. It is the biggest Croatian pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin. The beautiful basilica and the open air church hidden between the Zagorje hills breathe the serenity. The religious miracles are connected with a wooden black Madonna hidden from the Ottoman attacks. The church is a basilica minor, a church of high importance for the Catholic religion. Marija Bistrica is not only famous because of the church. There are old crafts which are on the UNESCO intangible Cultural heritage. Those are the wooden toys and the licitar hearts – gingerbread making.

OUR TIP: Taste the local products including gvirc – the wine made of honey.