To get an idea of what a traditional Croatian village looked like a century ago there are few better places to go than Kumrovec, the museum-village located km north of Zagreb.

Tito & folklore

It is also famous for being the home village of Josip Broz Tito, who was born here in 1892 – indeed it was the village’s status as Tito’s birthplace that ensured its preservation as an architectural reserve.

Houses in the historical centre of the village were restored and opened for visitors, while surviving examples of traditional wooden architecture from neighbouring villages were transported here and re-erected.

A famously pensive statue of Tito by Antun Augustinčić stands outside the man’s birthplace; inside, there is a modest selection of mementos recalling his political career and period furnishings pointing to the cramped but cosy environment in which he grew up.

Elsewhere in the village the emphasis is on folklore, with displays in village houses recalling traditional wedding feasts, toy-making, candle-making and other crafts. A village fire-station displays antiquated fire engines and uniforms. All in all it adds up to an effective history lesson, and one which offers plenty in the way of photo opportunities.

Practical Info

Tuesday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Tickets: adults €5; children €4

By car: Take the A1 motorway northbound to Zabok and then head northwest along the minor road (following signs to Tuheljske Toplice, Klanjec and Kumrovec) that runs along the Croatian-Slovene border.

By bus: Kumrovec is do-able as a day trip from Zagreb by taking a bus to Zaprešić followed by local bus to Kumrovec from there.

mss.mhz.hr