Museum of Peasant Revolts

The Museum of Peasant Revolts in Samci, part of the Gornja Stubica municipality, ranks among the most significant historical institutions in Croatia's Hrvatsko Zagorje region. It occupies the baroque Oršić family castle, built in 1756 on the site of an earlier medieval fortress whose remains are still visible in the inner courtyard. The museum has operated within these walls since 1973, standing as the principal memorial to the Peasant Revolt of 1573 and its leader, Matija Gubec.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition covers far more than the 1573 uprising itself. It traces the broader story of feudal society in Hrvatsko Zagorje, from the late Middle Ages through to the abolition of serfdom in 1848. Visitors encounter both the living conditions of the peasantry and the daily life of the nobility who once occupied the castle, giving a rounded picture of the class tensions that defined the era.

One distinctive stop on the tour is a wine cellar still holding barrels from the era of the local Peasants' Cooperative. It's a modest but telling detail — a physical trace of the region's agricultural economy that grounds the museum's historical narrative in everyday material culture.

How do you get there?

The castle stands at Samci 64, in the municipality of Gornja Stubica, in the heart of Hrvatsko Zagorje — a scenic, hilly region just north of Zagreb. Local roads connect Gornja Stubica to surrounding towns, and the museum grounds themselves are set within a well-kept park.

Plan for extra time outdoors: a roughly one-kilometre promenade leads from the castle to Gupčeva Lipa, the famous centuries-old linden tree tied to the legend of Matija Gubec. It's a natural extension of the visit, linking the museum's history to the surrounding landscape.

When is the best time to visit?

The museum runs occasional temporary exhibitions and educational workshops alongside its permanent collection. Two recurring events draw the most visitors: the Knights' Tournament, popular with historical re-enactment enthusiasts, and the annual commemoration of the Peasant Revolt. Timing a visit around either event adds a layer of activity beyond the standard walk through the exhibition halls.

Outside of these events, the museum functions as a quieter educational stop, well suited to both organized groups and individual travelers interested in Croatian history.

Why is this museum worth a stop?

The Museum of Peasant Revolts is more than a collection of artifacts — it's a living account of one of the defining episodes in Croatia's social history. The combination of genuine baroque castle architecture, surviving traces of the medieval fortress, and a carefully built historical narrative makes it a worthwhile stop in the Zagorje region, particularly for travelers drawn to the social history of Central Europe and the experience of peasant life under feudal rule.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? The museum is housed in Oršić Castle at Samci 64, in the Gornja Stubica municipality, within the Hrvatsko Zagorje region.

What is the exhibition about? Its central focus is the Peasant Revolt of 1573 and its leader, Matija Gubec, but the museum also covers the wider social changes in the region up to the abolition of serfdom in 1848.

What events does the museum host? The best known are the Knights' Tournament and the commemoration of the Peasant Revolt, alongside occasional exhibitions and workshops.

What else is there to see beyond the exhibition halls? Don't miss the wine cellar from the former Peasants' Cooperative, the landscaped park surrounding the castle, and the promenade leading to Gupčeva Lipa.