Bedekovčina: Church, Castle and Building History

Church of Saint Barbara

The Church of Saint Barbara is a late Baroque and Neoclassical architectural monument. Its present form dates from 1776 to 1778. Its furnishings include five altars and a pulpit from 1796 bearing the coat of arms of the Bedeković family. The construction period of the church and the date of the pulpit provide two specific points of reference for considering its architecture. For travellers interested in building history, both the architectural styles and individual furnishing details are relevant.

Gornja Bedekovčina Castle

Gornja Bedekovčina Castle was built between 1740 and 1750 by Nikola Bedeković Komorski. It stands on a steep hillside directly above the modern settlement centre. Its hillside location is as much a part of its context as its construction period and the name of its builder. In chronological comparison, the church’s present form came later than the castle: the documented construction phases span from the mid-18th century to 1776–1778. This makes it possible to compare two different periods in the area’s building history.

Zagorje wines at the Bedekovčina Lakes

A fair and exhibition of Zagorje wines has been held annually at the Bedekovčina Lakes since 1967. The event is listed for late May in the wider destination of Općina Bedekovčina, bringing together winemakers and winegrowers from Zagorje. The wine event combines a long tradition with a recurring time of year. If you plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant edition in advance, as event dates and programmes may change.

Lakes and activities in Općina Bedekovčina

The following information about bodies of water and leisure activities applies to the wider destination of Općina Bedekovčina. The Bedekovčina Lakes are interconnected, enclosed water systems with a depth of up to five metres. Their features include underwater vegetation and a fish population consisting predominantly of the carp family. This information provides a factual guide to the characteristics of the lakes and complements the cultural themes with a natural setting.

Fishing is possible there from 1 January to 31 December, provided there is no ice and you purchase a valid day or annual permit before entering the water. Check the applicable rules and permit requirements before fishing. The ŠRD “Jezera” sport fishing association runs competitive fishing at the lakes in the disciplines of float fishing, carp fishing and perch fishing. These three disciplines show which forms of organised competitive fishing are represented there, without conflating them with the general fishing conditions.

The lakes are also used for swimming and walking. These are two additional uses alongside fishing. Conditions may vary by season, so plan these activities with the time of year in mind.

More to explore in Općina Bedekovčina

The Varaždin–Zagreb railway line runs through Bedekovčina. As a geographical point of reference, the route places the town in the wider context of Općina Bedekovčina. This describes the railway line’s route and is not a substitute for checking a specific timetable.

The “Igrajte nam mužikaši” festival is also part of the cultural offering of Općina Bedekovčina. It has a 50-year tradition and brings together folk and popular music ensembles and soloists from Zagorje. The performers play in the Kajkavian dialect. Alongside the wine event, this makes musical tradition a distinct cultural highlight.

Another point of interest in the landscape is Strugača, also known as Komorska gora. The mountain is 375 metres high and lies on the border of the municipalities of Bedekovčina, Mihovljan, Sveti Križ Začretje and Mače, as well as the town of Krapina. Its steep slopes consist of Triassic dolomite. Its height, border location and rock type provide three specific points of reference for understanding this part of the wider destination’s landscape.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Bedekovčina.