Čazma – City of Heritage, Creativity, and Community
Located in the heart of Moslavina, Čazma is one of Croatia's oldest cities, with a history spanning over 750 years. The city is proud of its exceptional cultural heritage, notably the 13th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene – a masterpiece of medieval sacred architecture and a monument of cultural importance.
Čazma is rich in archaeological sites and historical locations, such as the medieval fort Gradina. The traditional custom "Zapovijed pod lipom" (Command under the Linden Tree) holds a special place in the cultural identity, passed down through generations and recognized as part of Croatia's intangible cultural heritage.
The city has produced numerous notable figures in the fields of science, arts, and literature, including Aleksandar Marks, Ivo Horvat, Zlata Gjungjenac Gavella, and Slavko Kolar. Today, Čazma continues to uphold this tradition through institutions such as the Cultural Centre, the Slavko Kolar City Library, and the Local History Collection, which form the foundation of the city's cultural life.
The city places particular emphasis on connecting local artists and young talents through various events, art exhibitions, literary evenings, workshops, and heritage-focused projects. Cultural associations, schools, and enthusiasts gathered around shared values contribute to Čazma remaining a city where culture is lived daily.
In collaboration with local and national partners, the city continuously invests in preserving cultural heritage and fostering contemporary creativity, building a strong local identity, promoting community participation, and creating a space open to dialogue and creativity – values that are fundamental to the Creative Cities Network.
Pregrada – The Cultural Heart of Zagorje, Nurturing Heritage and Creating the Future
Set in the picturesque landscape of Zagorje, Pregrada is one of the cultural centers of the Croatian Zagorje – a city rich in history, heritage, and vibrant traditions. Known for its unique twin-towered church, the "Zagorje Cathedral," as well as being the location of Croatia’s first pharmaceutical factory and coal mine, Pregrada blends spiritual, industrial, and cultural history.
The city preserves numerous historical and architectural treasures, such as the Kostelgrad Fortress, castles, and the baroque gem on Vinagora – the House of Janko Leskovar, one of Croatia’s most important realist writers. Notable traditions, such as grape picking, the Kostel Easter pistol, and Easter shooting with pistols in Kostel, showcase the community's strong connection to its heritage and regional identity.
Cultural life in Pregrada thrives through the work of many institutions and associations: the Pregrada Music School, the City Library, the Pregrada City Museum, the Public Open University Pregrada, and the Pregrada Cultural and Artistic Society, among others, which nurture musical, dance, theatrical, and visual arts.
The city organizes and supports a wide range of cultural events: exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, educational lectures, and workshops, which bring together the local community and attract numerous visitors.
Pregrada actively participates in contemporary development processes. By connecting generations and valuing local resources, the city is building a distinctive cultural identity, in line with the values promoted by the Creative Cities Network.
Jastrebarsko – Tradition, Culture, and Future in Balance
The city of Jastrebarsko, or simply Jaska, is located between Zagreb and Karlovac, in the picturesque landscape of the Zagreb County. Known for its long tradition of winemaking and excellent wines, the city is firmly rooted in its cultural heritage, well-developed craftsmanship, and strong economic fabric.
The city's cultural life is exceptionally rich and diverse, thanks to a large number of active associations operating in the area. These are united by the Community of Cultural and Artistic Societies of Jastrebarsko, founded in 1999, which today has 19 members. These associations, through their dedicated work, preserve cultural amateurism, participate in numerous events, and contribute to the visibility of the cultural scene at the city, regional, and national levels.
The oldest and most impressive cultural monument is the Erdödy Castle, built at the end of the 15th century, which, through the "Awakened Cultural Heritage" project, has undergone archaeological and conservation-restoration research, as well as digital recording. Cultural infrastructure is further strengthened by the Jastrebarsko Cultural Centre, where numerous cultural programs are organized, and it also houses the People's Library and Reading Room.
In the heart of the city is also the Jastrebarsko City Museum and Gallery, located in the building of the old city hall from 1826. The museum holds valuable archaeological, cultural-historical, and ethnographic collections, including the charter of King Bela IV from 1257 granting Jastrebarsko the status of a free royal market town. Jastrebarsko also preserves several historically significant buildings, such as the so-called Napoleon's Hospital (or Šubara House), built during the Illyrian Provinces, which still stands as a testament to the turbulent and rich history of the area.
In all its work, the city of Jastrebarsko expertly balances the preservation of cultural heritage, support for amateur creation, and investment in modern cultural infrastructure. This synergy between tradition and modernity makes Jastrebarsko a vibrant cultural center where the community plays a key role.
Ludbreg – A Small Town for Big Ideas
Located in the northwest of Croatia, Ludbreg is unique for its legend and geographical symbolism – it is known as the "Centre of the World" (Centrum Mundi). According to legend, concentric circles spread from Ludbreg to all world capitals, giving this small town a special place on the map and in collective imagination.
Ludbreg developed at a significant crossroads, which has provided it with a rich history and a diverse cultural identity. Among its most important historical sites is the Roman settlement of Iovia, the remains of which are preserved and presented in the archaeological park located in the city center. This park, along with other historical layers of the city, bears witness to continuous settlement and development over the centuries.
A prominent place in Ludbreg's cultural landscape is held by the Batthyany Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. Today, it is home to the Croatian Restoration Institute and a collection of sacred art, thus connecting the historical value of the castle with modern expertise in heritage preservation.
Ludbreg is also an important spiritual center – it is known for the Sanctuary of the Precious Blood of Christ, one of the oldest Eucharistic sanctuaries in Europe. Every first Sunday in September, thousands of pilgrims gather for the Holy Sunday event, which is an important religious and cultural occasion in the region.
Although small in numbers, Ludbreg builds its future on big ideas. Its development strategy is based on investments in entrepreneurship, education, tourism, economy, and new technologies, actively shaping the conditions for sustainable growth and a quality life for all its citizens. Projects and programs are developed with the aim of involving the entire community and creating a modern, dynamic, and open city.
Ludbreg is an example of how a combination of historical heritage, spiritual significance, and innovative thinking can shape a unique and recognizable environment – small in size, but big in ambition and vision.
