The area of the Municipality of Maruševec lies mostly on the gentle foothills of Maceljska gora and Ravna gora. Notable cultural landmarks include Maruševec Castle, the parish church of St. George, and chapels in Druškovec and Jurketinec. Together, they tell of different eras and forms of religious and everyday customs.
Maruševec Castle: A Building History Spanning Several Centuries
Historical sources record Maruševec Castle from the mid-14th century. It was built as a stone castle in the 16th century and protected by a moat. The different dates mark separate chapters in its history: the early mention should not be confused with the later construction phase.
In the 19th century, Count Schlippenbach restored the castle and added a large tower. This gave it its present-day appearance. The park is also one of the castle’s distinctive features: it is protected as a horticultural monument. The building’s history and the park’s protected status highlight different aspects—the development of the building in one case, and the garden’s heritage value in the other.
Sacred Heritage in the Church and Chapels
The restored façade shapes the appearance of the parish church of St. George, which is preserved as a valuable sacred monument. Inside are a family crypt belonging to the Vragović family and a tombstone of Paulus Patačić. Thus, the same church holds both a testament to family remembrance and a tomb monument attributed to a named individual.
The chapels, too, tell of different forms of religious significance. The Chapel of St. Roch in Druškovec has stood since 1646 and is regarded as an important shrine for the people of this area. In Jurketinec, the construction of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity took almost seventy years. For these two places, the recorded details draw attention to different aspects: the long construction period in Jurketinec and the special local significance of the Chapel of St. Roch.
Jurjevo: A Custom and Its Portrayal
The traditional feast of St. George on April 23 in Maruševec includes the figure of Zeleni Jura. It was portrayed by a young man dressed in green birch branches. The custom combines a specific feast day with an equally specific figure, making the tradition describable not only by its name but also by its portrayal.
During the 2025 Jura Zeleni procession, the decorated Jura Zeleni led participants through Čalinec, Kapelec, and Biljevec after a blessing at the Church of St. George. The procession ended at the cultural center 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 illness. This information refers to the 2025 proceedings; it describes that year’s edition, not necessarily future processions.
Wedding Custom in Čalinec
The Etno kuća Čalinec also presents cultural heritage through a specific custom: “čestitanja mladenki” was demonstrated there as part of a 2026 Museum Night edition. The presentation depicts a traditional wedding and the bride’s farewell as she leaves for her new home. It complements the religious monuments and Jurjevo customs with a glimpse of traditional wedding culture. As an example from a dated program, it also describes that particular program item, not a permanent offering.
If you are interested in the history of a place, the castle, church, and chapels offer different ways to explore it: the changes to a building, preserved sacred heritage, and the significance of religious traditions. Together with the customs handed down over time, they create a picture that is not limited to a single attraction.
Discover more places and destinations: Maruševec, Koretinec, Municipality of Donja Voća, Municipality of Jalžabet, Municipality of Beretinec, Municipality of Lepoglava, Municipality of Ludbreg, Municipality of Novi Marof.
Return to the main travel overview: Varaždin County.
