Krapina is a town in northern Croatia and the administrative centre of Krapina-Zagorje county with a population of 4,647 (2001) and a total municipality population of 12,950 (2001). Krapina is located in the hilly Zagorje region of Croatia, approximately 55 km away from both Zagreb and Varaždin.
Krapina Neanderthals
The Zagorje region has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age. Krapina is famous for an archaeological discovery in 1899, where a population of Neanderthals was discovered by geologist, archaeologist and paleontologist Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger. The archaeological discovery on a hill called Hušnjak unearth over eight hundred fossil remains depicting over almost 75 Neanderthals individuals, along with tools and weapons, making the site one of the most significant in Europe. Studies of these Neanderthals fossil shows that they died between the age of sixteen and twenty four.
Things to do
Krapina has been known since 1193. It has always been a favourite site for castles and country houses of Croatian and Hungarian rulers. After the danger of Turkish attack had passed, it was conceded to the Keglevic counts and became an important administrative town.
It also became a religious centre. In the mid 17th century, a Franciscan monastery and the Baroque church of St Catherine were built. The sacristy and some of the monastery rooms are decorated with vivid frescoes by Ivan Ranger.
In one of the town squares is a monument to Ljudevit Gaj, born in Krapina in 1809. During the first half of the 19th century he was a prominent figure in the moment which promoted the revival of Croatian politics and culture.
Today, Krapina is a busy commercial town in the midst of a lovely region, offering something for everyone who visits Croatia or Krapina; from cultural events held throughout the year to restaurants serving traditional Croatian foods. Numerous mountain trails and paths for the nature lovers and for the lovers of art; there is sculpture park in the open. Finally, a visit to the museum of evolution is a must.
The main road that runs through town is Zagreback, which becomes Ljudevita Gaja in the town centre and Magistratska at the northern end. The centre of the town is Trg Stjepana Radica, with the bus station about 100m further south and the train station another 200m.
Getting There and Away
There are seven buses a day from Zagreb to Krapina on Monday to Friday, and four on weekends. There are up to 14 trains daily from Zagreb, changing at Zabok.