Varaždinske Toplice offers travelers Roman architectural history, historic buildings, and paths through parks, meadows, and forests. This gives you different options when planning your trip: you can explore the architecture of Aquae Iasae, discover the architectural history of later centuries, or set aside time for walking and hiking trails.
Roman Architecture: Aquae Iasae
The Aquae Iasae archaeological site in Varaždinske Toplice comprises a Roman complex of public architecture dating from the 1st to the 4th century. The ensemble includes bath buildings and pools, a basilica, and a forum around the thermal spring. It also features a Capitolium with temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Aquae Iasae is therefore not limited to bath buildings: public and religious architectural forms are also part of the complex. The forum was located around the thermal spring; the temples of the Capitolium were dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Travelers interested in Roman architecture can distinguish various aspects of the site by looking at these different types of buildings.
Churches and Residential Architecture
Crkva sv. Martina was built in the 15th century on the foundations of an older church and was given a Baroque makeover in the 18th century. Kapela Sv. Duh has been mentioned since 1497 and was reconstructed in 1649; it is surrounded by a defensive wall with surviving loopholes. At Kuća Kirinić, the focus is on residential architecture and the preserved room layout: the building dates from 1526 and is the oldest secular residential building in Varaždinske Toplice. The original layout of the rooms is fully preserved, as are the late Gothic rooms in the basement and ground floor. Together, these buildings mark different historical reference points, from older church foundations and a defensive wall to a preserved late Gothic arrangement of rooms.
A Later Chapter in the History of the Baths
The Konstantinov dom building dates from 1779. After the fire of 1779, the Kaptol built a stone bathhouse called Konstantinova kupelj. The historic Konstantinov dom building once housed a café and, on the upper floor, a salon used for balls and concerts. These former uses add insight into the building’s social life to its architectural history. The Toplička folklorijada offers a different cultural focus: each year, it brings together cultural and artistic associations from different parts of Croatia and celebrates folk traditions, singing, dancing, and traditional arts and crafts. Dates and participants vary, so check the event details before your trip.
Walking and Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
The Pješačke šetnice comprise parks, meadows, and forest paths suitable for active recreation, relaxation, day trips, and outdoor learning. The trails are not particularly challenging and can be explored by children and older people. Staza Tragovima prošlosti starts at an archaeological site and leads through a spa park with protected trees and birdlife. Staza Kestenove avanture starts on Ulica bana Josipa Jelačića and follows an unpaved path past a peloid spring. Slatki put is a hiking and cycling trail that leads from Varaždinske Toplice toward Martinkovec. For Staza Kestenove avanture and Slatki put, it is advisable to check current trail conditions before setting out. When choosing, you can focus on the specific differences: a park and birdlife, an unpaved section with a peloid spring, or a trail expressly intended for cycling as well.
Discover more destinations: Petrijanec, Varaždin.
Go to the main travel overview: Varaždin County.
