In the Municipality of Zagorska Sela, history can be discovered in different ways: a settlement from the Late Bronze Age has been documented at Špičak in Bojačno, while churches and a Stations of the Cross add further traces of the past. At the same time, paths lead through green hills and natural landscapes to a viewpoint at Špičak. The combination of cultural heritage and landscape shapes the character of this destination.
Špičak: Bronze Age traces in the landscape
The existence of a settlement from the Late Bronze Age has been documented at the Špičak archaeological site. The archaeological site area is also listed as an immovable individual cultural asset. These two facts highlight different aspects: the first points to early settlement, while the second reflects the cultural classification of the site. If you are interested in archaeology, you can combine this perspective on the past with the landscape around Špičak. The site can be reached on foot or by bicycle via paths through green hills and natural landscapes; there is a viewpoint at the destination.
Churches, a castle and the Stations of the Cross
The Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Zagorska Sela was built in 1691 on the foundations of an older church. It stands on a hill above the main road leading from Klanjec towards Miljana and Veliki Tabor. The construction date and older foundations give the church two historical reference points; its position above the road also connects it with the directions mentioned.
Miljana Castle is associated with a different date: it was first mentioned in 1597 as the property of the Rattkay family. This allows a comparison between two different historical dates: 1597 marks the castle’s first mention as Rattkay property, while 1691 marks the construction of the Church of Saint Catherine on older foundations. Another religious route leads from the rectory, built in the 18th century, to the Church of Saint Anne in Sutlanska Poljana. The Stations of the Cross thus make the connection between two religious sites part of the cultural heritage, alongside individual buildings.
A cross-border tourism story
The history of tourism here also has a cross-border dimension: in 2004, the “Sutla – Valley of Healing Springs” tourist zone opened in partnership with the neighbouring Slovenian municipality of Podčetrtek. The partnership with Podčetrtek is part of the context in which this zone was created and adds another facet to the destination alongside its historic churches and archaeological sites.
A central Martinje celebration for Krapina-Zagorje County was announced for 9 November 2025 at the Church of Saint Martin in Bojačno. The programme was set to include the tradition of baptising must into wine, as well as cultural and musical events. The announcement thus combines a wine custom with a cultural programme and gives a specific location for the event.
Krapina-Zagorje as a wider cultural setting
Those who also explore the wider destination of Krapina-Zagorje will find other cultural attractions there. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 thematic areas. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum conveys the appearance of a Zagorje village from the early 20th century and includes around 40 restored buildings of traditional architecture. The two examples offer different ways to explore: a thematically organised exhibition and a village ensemble. They show the variety of cultural sites across the wider destination and provide a broader context for historical discoveries in the Municipality of Zagorska Sela.
Discover more destinations: Miljana, Zagorska Sela, Municipality of Hum na Sutli, Municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje, Municipality of Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Đurmanec, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice.
Return to the wider travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje.
