Culture of Marija Bistrica
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the pseudo-Gothic and Baroque styles. Next to the Church, there is a Carmelite Convent built according to the vision and idea of the blessed cardinal Aloysius Stepinac.
‘Calvary’, the hill next to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is another impressive site, built with the aim to reproduce the Stations of the Cross as authentically as possible, through which believers can actually feel the suffering of Christ. There are fourteen stations from the bottom to the top of the hill, with each station created by one Croatian artist.
The significance of Marija Bistrica is growing every year. The reason why people come to this magnificent town differ; some come for forgiveness, some to find the strength to forgive, and some to experience for themselves the mysterious force that overwhelms everyone who decides to come here. The newly opened Bluesun Kaj Hotel is an additional reason to visit Marija Bistrica.
The region of Bistrica is especially associated with the manufacturing of wood, honey and clay, with the Licitar Heart from Zagorje holding a special place among the nationally recognised symbols. The year-round cultural events include various concerts (including Tamburitza), exhibitions and folklore festivals, and it is especially festive in July when events take place under the Bistrica night sky.