Turistička zajednica općine Marija Bistrica , Marija Bistrica
- www.info-marija-bistrica.hr
- Address: Zagrebačka bb
- City: Marija Bistrica
- Postal code: 49246
- Phone: + 385 49 468 380
- Fax: + 385 49 468 380
- Cell: + 385 99 3001 484
- Kontak osoba: Vesna Habazin
- Services:
Tourist board
Marija Bistrica is widely known as the Croatian national Marian sanctuary.
The town is dominated by church-Basilica of Mary which holds the miraculous black statue of the Virgin and the Child, the work of a local artist from the 15th century.
The importance of Marija Bistrica as a pilgrimage site can be wiewed on the arrival of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II., on 3rd October 1998. when he beatified Archbishop Stepinac, a large Bistrica pilgrim. By Stepinac’s idea originates the Marija Bistrica Way of the Cross and the Carmelite nun convent, who have migrated to Marija Bistrica prior to his beatification.
The offer of souvenirs made from honey, wood and clay developed as an accompaniment to pilgrimages, so Marija Bistrica is the largest in the county to offer souvenirs made by traditional crafts, but also those of a recent date.
Traditional crafts offer candles, lanterns, gingerbread “licitari”, pottery, children's wooden "lazanjske" toys, playing (tamburice) and for the refreshment of the body gingerbread, and gvirc mead (honey drink).
A cultural tourism is being developed alongside with spiritual bids and souvenirs offer.
Art lovers can enjoy the Way of the Cross, widely known „Bistrica Calvary“ with sculptures made by the top Croatian artists, visit the gallery of the sculptor Paul Hudek and The Sculpture Park with religious motives in natural size, created during the many years that the colonies of wood carvers took place. A special sight are the chapels with Baroque altars on the outskirts of Marija Bistrica, each of which tells the historical story.
In addition to spiritual and cultural contents, Marija Bistrica provides recreational opportunities for hiking on the pedestrian bypass or a mountain bike route in Selnica (5 km from Marija Bistica).
Accommodation in Marija Bistrica, you can book at Bluesun hotel Kaj or a private accomodation of local renters.
