Municipality of Maruševec

• Most of the municipal area lies on the gentle foothills of Maceljska gora and Ravna gora.
• Historical sources record Maruševec Castle from the mid-14th century; it was built as a stone castle in the 16th century.
• The parish church of St. George in Maruševec preserves a family crypt belonging to the Vragović family and a tombstone of Paulus Patačić.
• The Jura Zeleni procession passed through Čalinec, Kapelec and Biljevec in 2025.

The dates associated with the castle refer to different stages: historical sources record it from the mid-14th century, while the stone castle was built in the 16th century. A moat protected the castle. In the 19th century, Count Schlippenbach restored the building and added a large tower. This alteration gave it its present appearance.

The park is also part of the historic ensemble: it is protected as a horticultural monument. The castle and park thus offer two distinct aspects of local history—the building and its recorded development, and the protected garden. The municipality connects these heritage sites with other places whose histories encompass religious and local traditions.

The façade of the parish church of St. George in Maruševec has been restored, and the church is preserved as a valuable sacred monument. It also contains the family crypt of the Vragović family and a tombstone of Paulus Patačić. Alongside its religious significance, these features connect the church to family and local history.

The Chapel of St. Roch in Druškovec has stood since 1646. It is considered an important shrine for the people of this area. In Jurketinec, construction of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity took almost seventy years. Each chapel therefore has its own historical association: the year 1646 is recorded for St. Roch, while the Holy Trinity chapel is notable for its long construction period.

For the feast of St. George on 23 April, Zeleni Jura was traditionally portrayed in Maruševec: a young man wore green birch branches as clothing. After a blessing at the church of St. George, the Jura Zeleni procession passed through Čalinec, Kapelec and Biljevec in 2025. It ended at the cultural centre in Čalinec with the symbolic burning of Jure Zeleni as part of the Jurjevo bonfire tradition. According to tradition, the custom is meant to protect against evil, impure forces and disease.

A wedding custom was also presented at the Etno kuća Čalinec as part of a Museum Night event: “čestitanja mladenki” depicts a traditional wedding and the bride’s farewell as she leaves for her new home. Those interested in cultural traditions can find here, alongside the religious sites, a glimpse of customs surrounding wedding and farewell rituals.

At a wine picnic at the castle, visitors were to be able to taste award-winning wines and enjoy gourmet bites from the castle. At the “Đurđica” organic market in Jurketinec, visitors could buy local products from family farms as well as planting materials. Both examples bring local products together with different occasions: the wine picnic with the castle, and the market with planting materials and produce from regional farms.

If you are looking for a hotel, the castle’s history, churches and customs can help you decide whether the Municipality of Maruševec suits your travel interests. To orient yourself among the municipality’s settlements, you can also see Maruševec and Koretinec. Other municipalities at the same administrative level include Municipality of Bednja, Municipality of Varaždinske Toplice, Municipality of Lepoglava, Municipality of Ludbreg, Municipality of Novi Marof and Municipality of Donja Voća.

How long has Maruševec Castle been documented?

Historical sources record the castle from the mid-14th century. It was built as a stone castle in the 16th century.

What historical features are found in the parish church of St. George?

The church contains a family crypt belonging to the Vragović family and a tombstone of Paulus Patačić. Its façade has been restored.

Which places did the Jura Zeleni procession pass through in 2025?

After a blessing at the church of St. George, it passed through Čalinec, Kapelec and Biljevec and ended at the cultural centre in Čalinec.

For the regional travel overview: Varaždin County.