Vratišinec: Discover Cultural History

Vratišinec is a good choice for a trip focused on cultural history. Protected architecture, the story of Vinko Žganec and a singing tradition rooted in the late 18th century give you specific themes to explore.

Protected Architecture in Vratišinec

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a protected immovable cultural property in Vratišinec. This spacious building was constructed in 1897 in a pseudo-Gothic style; its features include a polygonal sanctuary and 28 buttresses.

The Old School Building in Vratišinec is also protected immovable cultural heritage, classified as secular architectural heritage. It stands in the historic centre of the village, where two access roads meet. It dates to 1874; its rectangular floor plan, classical façades and flat pilasters between the windows characterise the building. A pseudo-Gothic church and a classical schoolhouse thus stand in contrast.

Vinko Žganec and the Singing Tradition

Vinko Žganec was born in Vratišinec and recorded more than 25,000 folk songs, instrumental melodies, dances and customs. The KUD Dr. Vinko Žganec Vratišinec was founded in 1970. During Žganec’s lifetime, the association received written permission to bear his name.

The singing tradition in Vratišinec is associated with school and church choirs. Organised singing gatherings began after the parish was founded in 1789. Vratišinec also commemorates the anniversaries of Vinko Žganec’s birth and death each year. The history of music is therefore reflected both in choral practice and in the remembrance of the collector and his extensive body of work.

More Culture in the Wider Destination of Općina Vratišinec

There are cultural points of interest in the wider destination of Općina Vratišinec, too. In front of the main façade of the Church of Uzvišenja Svetog Križa in Vratišinec stand two late-Baroque sculptures of the Roman martyrs John and Paul, dating from 1779.

The “Mamičina škrija” event has been held regularly since 2010. Visitors can sample dishes made from traditional family recipes, including “pečena šulenka”, “močjek” and “trgnci s maslom i trojstvom”. At the traditional folklore evening “Vratišinske vesele vurice”, folklore ensembles and groups from Croatia and abroad perform. The annual “Žgančevi zapisi” event commemorates the life’s work of academician Dr. Vinko Žganec and presents the cultural heritage of Međimurje folk songs that he recorded.

The Mamičina škrinja Ethno Collection in Gornji Kraljevec displays objects, implements, clothing, tools and tableware from the everyday life of the rural population more than 100 years ago. The cultural experiences thus differ: events highlight cuisine, folklore and musical heritage, among other things, while the collection focuses on objects from rural everyday life.

If an event is the reason for your trip, check the specific date before booking.

Go to the wider travel guide: Općina Vratišinec.