Exhibition “Turopolje Heritage Through Memories” Arrives in the Heart of Zagreb

The exhibition “Turopolje Heritage Through Memories” has opened in the very centre of Zagreb, offering residents of the capital a reminder that unspoilt natural beauty and a rich cultural tradition await just thirty minutes from the city centre.

Organised in cooperation with the Plemenita opčina turopoljska and the Grad Velika Gorica, the exhibition was inaugurated at the premises of the Turistička zajednica Zagrebačke županije in Preradovićeva Street, Zagreb. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can admire intricate wooden scale models crafted by Velika Gorica master artisan Stjepan Mihanović. As highlighted by Juraj Odrčić, Prefect of the Plemenita opčina turopoljska, the project aims to bring the distinctive wooden architectural heritage of Turopolje closer to both Zagreb residents and international visitors.

“For this occasion, we selected four characteristic structures that still stand in Turopolje today — the Chapel of St. Barbara, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Pleso, the traditional čardak from Mraclin, and the Modić–Bedeković manor house. Through these scale models, we wish to present, in miniature, what visitors can experience in Turopolje itself. This is an open invitation to discover our architectural heritage and the wider cultural landscape of Turopolje,” stated Odrčić. Members of the historic Turopolje banderium — a ceremonial guard symbolising honour, courage and splendour — enhanced the opening ceremony with their presence.

The event also promoted the traditional podgutnica delicacy, authentic products made from the indigenous Turopolje pig, and the broader identity of Turopolje — a destination increasingly recognised among tourists and Zagreb residents alike.

Mayor Krešimir Ačkar expressed his pride in presenting Turopolje in Zagreb: “This exhibition continues the excellent cooperation between the Zagreb County Tourist Board, the Plemenita opčina turopoljska and the City of Velika Gorica. Recently, we jointly participated in a project promoting the Turopolje pig, aiming to establish it as a recognisable brand featured on restaurant menus throughout Croatia. Today, here in the centre of Zagreb, we present Turopolje and its heritage, with special emphasis on traditional wooden architecture showcased through these beautiful models of historic buildings. Turopolje’s wooden construction is not only part of our heritage — it represents significant tourism potential that we wish to promote and develop. Primarily, we hope to attract people to Velika Gorica and Turopolje here in Zagreb, a city of 800,000 residents. All the buildings presented here can be visited in their original form within our area — whether you choose to arrive by car or bicycle.”

The exhibition also highlights the oak tree — the majestic forest giant and living symbol of Turopolje for more than 800 years. Other defining elements of the region include the Croatian ‘Posavski ‘horse, traditional čardak houses, the Turopolje pig, the black Turopolje truffle, and the distinctive wooden house adorned with ornamental lace motifs. “For centuries, this heritage has been the pride of Turopolje, carefully preserved through the history, culture and traditions of our region. By placing this exhibition in the very heart of Zagreb, we wish to remind the city's citizens that authentic beauty and living tradition are just half an hour away. Through synergy and joint efforts, we must continue to safeguard our treasures. This exhibition, together with our previous initiatives, demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction,” concluded Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.