Municipality of Hrašćina – Meteorite, Views and Cultural Heritage

The Municipality of Hrašćina brings together nature and culture, represented across different local settings and historical periods. The meteorite fall of 1751 is a special point of reference; other highlights include memorial sites in Domovec, St. Nicholas Church and the Piramida. Hiking and the Zagreb–Varaždin railway line also help you find your way around. You can plan your stay around history, landscapes or a particular route.

Meteorite fall and memorial in Domovec

The Hrašćina meteorite fell on a field in the village of Domovec on 26 May 1751. It was the first fall of extraterrestrial matter anywhere in the world to be extensively and officially documented. The memorial in Domovec commemorates the event with a low obelisk and a life-size replica of the meteorite. It is signposted and accessible via a paved road from the centre of Trgovišće. This brings together a precisely dated historical event and a tangible memorial to it.

Wayside shrine, church and a traditional love story

Domovec is also home to the St. Mark’s wayside shrine. It was built in 1647 as a memorial and a sign of gratitude for the Turks’ withdrawal from the area. The shrine commemorates a different historical event from the meteorite memorial. Inside St. Nicholas Church in Hrašćina is a cycle of wall paintings attributed to the collaborators of Antun Lerchinger and the Zagreb painter Antun Archer. At Kurija pl. Belošević, visitors can hear the love story of Belgian Princess Louise and her chosen one, the Zagorje nobleman Geza pl. Matačić. These places offer different ways to explore history and culture, from the wayside shrine and religious paintings to a love story told aloud.

Views, a nature trail and a railway-linked route

The Piramida is a 14-metre-high viewpoint above Trgovišće, on Pipinićev put. From there, you can see Hrašćina and large parts of Hrvatsko Zagorje; on a clear day, the Alps are also visible. Pipinićev put is an educational ecological trail through the Hrašćina area. It is named after Branko Pipinić, a teacher and founder of the local hiking club. The viewpoint and trail offer different ways to explore the landscape and local heritage.

Another option is the “Lucijanov pohod”: it combines a train journey from Varaždin to Hrašćina-Trgovišće with a hike to Kurija Njeguš (pl. Belošević), the St. Mark’s wayside shrine, the Roman tomb near St. Anne’s in Hrašćina, the Piramida on Šijan hill and the Chapel of St. Benedict. The route returns to Budinščina railway station. Hrašćina-Trgovišće station is on the Zagreb–Varaždin railway line, between Konjščina and Budinščina. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetable.

More to discover in the wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska

Hrašćina is part of the Zlatni istok Zagorja tourism area. The wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska offers other distinct experiences. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 themed areas. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum offers an authentic picture of a Zagorje village from the early 20th century and includes around 40 restored buildings of traditional construction. In Radoboj, Hiža vinove loze focuses on grapevines, winegrowing and the traditions associated with them. Regular presentations and tastings feature wines from local winemakers as well as wine products such as liqueurs. These regional experiences broaden the picture beyond Hrašćina’s meteorite and local history.

Discover more destinations: Hrašćina, Municipality of Pregrada, Municipality of Desinić, Municipality of Stubičke Toplice, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Krapina, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Klanjec.

Return to the main travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.