In Sipćina near Okešinec, the traces of a Roman villa rustica reach far beyond the first centuries of our era. At the same time, the church and park in the town of Križ tell another story of the cultural heritage of the Municipality of Križ. These places make the municipality’s history tangible through specific finds, protected buildings and a lively tradition of events.
Sipćina: an archaeological site with several layers of history
Sipćina is a protected archaeological site containing the remains of a Roman villa rustica. The term refers to a Roman country estate. Archaeological investigations indicate that the site was used from the final decades of the 1st century BC through to the 3rd or 4th century. More recent radiocarbon data also suggest use in the 6th and 7th centuries. Several widely separated periods are therefore represented, and the later use cannot simply be inferred from the earlier use.
Excavations uncovered parts of two buildings. Both are enclosed by an apse and contain preserved remains of underfloor heating. Sipćina is considered one of the more significant archaeological sites in Moslavina. For visitors interested in history, its appeal lies not only in its Roman origins: the architectural details and evidence of different periods of use also shape the picture of the site.
Križ: church, organ and park
The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is protected as immovable cultural heritage under registration number Z-1895. Its organ dates from 1787 and was restored in 1909, retaining its Baroque character. The organ is registered as an individual movable cultural asset under number Z-4174. The church and the instrument thus represent two different, individually protected cultural assets.
The historic cultural ensemble of the settlement of Križ is also protected as immovable cultural heritage, under registration number Z-3648. The park in Križ was established at the end of the 19th century; its design is attributed to head gardener Viteslav Durchanek. The Križ Gallery is another facet of local cultural history, having hosted numerous artists and cultural events over the years.
Milka Trnina and festival traditions
The world-renowned opera prima donna Milka Trnina was born on 19 December 1863 in Vezišće. Her memorial room is located in the Milka Trnina Cultural Centre in Vezišće. The traditional Christmas concert in her honour is held in her birthplace every year on 18 December. Another recurring cultural event is the Lipanjski susreti Milke Trnine: this festival of folk and musical creativity has been held annually in Vezišće for more than 30 years. Its programme includes choirs, cultural associations, children and young people, as well as traditional costumes, dances and customs.
The Badalić Days are also held every year in early June. At the event, the Josip Badalić Award is presented to the top student of Russian studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb. Krigl Fest in the centre of Križ offers a different focus: visitors can sample craft beer, enjoy grilled dishes and take part in fun beer competitions. Dates and participating producers may change.
The annual programme for the Days of the Municipality of Križ includes a cycling tour, a craft and handicrafts market, and a wine tasting; the event takes place on the last weekend of August. The programme may vary from year to year. The Cross Hill Run Križ features five- and ten-kilometre races as well as the Kids Run for children. Its dates may also change. If you plan your visit around an event, check the relevant dates in advance.
Landscape and getting around
The town of Križ lies on a hill around the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, in the valley of the Česma River. The Žutica forest is in the southern part of the municipality. The Česma River is considered suitable for fishing; if you plan to fish there, check the local rules and access separately.
For travel by car, the A3 provides a useful reference point: heading east, the Križ exit is at kilometre 74.6, and a road from there continues to the town of Križ. The Križ rest area is at kilometre 77.1. The international Pan-European Corridor X, on the Salzburg–Ljubljana–Zagreb–Belgrade–Skopje–Thessaloniki route, runs through the municipality. The Novoselec railway station is on the Dugo Selo–Novska line, which opened in 1897. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable separately.
Discover more destinations: Križ, Municipality of Sveta Nedelja, Municipality of Dugo Selo, Municipality of Krašić, Municipality of Žumberak, Municipality of Luka, Municipality of Pokupsko, Municipality of Jastrebarsko.
For the regional travel overview: Zagreb County.
