Sacred Monuments in Croatia
A guide to 74 Sacred Monuments in Croatia — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 50 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Kutjevo Abbey, Grad Trebnje, Dragović monastery.
-
Kutjevo Abbey
Grad Kutjevo
Kutjevo Abbey is a medieval Cistercian monastery in the town of Grad Kutjevo, in the Croatian region of Slavonia, roughly 23 km northeast of Požega. Also known by its Latin name Vallis honesta de Gotho, or simply Gotó, it stands as one of the most significant traces of the Cistercian order on the territory of present-day Croatia, and for nearly eight centuries its story has been closely tied to the region's winemaking tradition. How was the abbey established? The monastery was founded in 1232 as a daughter-house of Zirc Abbey in Hungary, part of the filiation of Clairvaux. The Cistercian monks who settled here quickly recognized the potential of the surrounding hillsides and began planting vineyards. It was these monks who introduced, for their time, advanced methods of viticulture and winemaking, laying the groundwork for a tradition that has continued almost without interruption ever since. The cellars carved into the rock during this early period are today regarded as among the oldest working wine cellars in this part of Europe. What happened after the Turkish invasions? Following an attack by Ottoman forces in either 1521 or 1529, monastic life at the abbey came to an end and the complex itself fell into ruin. The buildings remained devastated throughout the period of Ottoman presence in the area. The situation changed only in 1689, when Emperor Leopold I granted the former monastic estate to Ivan Babić, a canon from Zagreb, awarding him the title of titular abbot. In 1698 the property passed into the hands of the Jesuits, who administered it until 1773, when the Pope suppressed their order. It was the Jesuits who, during the 18th century, erected a new complex of buildings on the foundations of the old Cistercian monastery — a complex that has largely survived and today forms the core of the abbey site. What is there to see on a visit? Modern Kutjevo is, above all, a story told through wine. Inside the former monastic cellars a winery now operates, carrying forward the tradition begun by the Cistercians, and visitors can walk through the stone corridors, see part of the production area, and view the so-called archive cellar, where tens of thousands of vintage bottles are kept — one of the richest collections of its kind in Croatia. Among the oldest items on display is a bottle of white wine dating back to 1947. A visit is best paired with a tasting, which gives a feel for a place where a sacred past meets a winemaking business that is still very much alive today. The best time to come is between May and October, when the weather favors walks through the surrounding vineyard-covered hills and local wine-related events tend to take place. Kutjevo is most easily reached by car, for example from Zagreb or Osijek. Common questions Does the abbey currently function as a monastery? No. Since the Jesuit order was suppressed in 1773, the site has not served any religious or monastic purpose. In 1882 the property was acquired by Vjenceslav Turković and Franjo Türk, who built up large-scale wine production there, and after World War II operations continued as a state-run wine enterprise. What is the site known for today? Kutjevo is today primarily a wine brand recognized throughout Croatia. The cellars established by the Cistercians are considered among the oldest on the continent, and the tradition of uninterrupted wine production has continued since the 13th century. Can visitors tour the cellars and taste local wines? Yes, the former abbey grounds are open for guided tours, and a visit can be combined with a tasting of wines produced on site, including reserves from the archive collection. How do you get to Kutjevo? The town lies in Slavonia, close to Požega, and the most convenient way to reach it is by car, whether coming from Zagreb or from Osijek.
-
Grad Trebnje
Trebnje
Grm is a small village in the Municipality of Trebnje, located in eastern Slovenia. The area belongs historically to the region of Lower Carniola and is now part of the Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region. What can I see in Grm? The main attraction of the village is the Church of Saint Margaret, which dates back to the 15th century. The building underwent significant reconstruction during the 17th century, acquiring distinctive Baroque features. The church belongs to the Parish of Trebnje and serves as the primary landmark for visitors exploring this small settlement. Are there other interesting places nearby? Given the modest size of Grm, most tourists combine their visit with exploring other attractions in the Trebnje municipality. The town of Trebnje itself features a medieval castle from the 12th century, showcasing Romanesque architecture. Since 1968, the town has hosted the International Meetings of Naive Artists, assembling over a thousand works in Slovenia's only collection of naive art. Further afield, near Šentrupert in the Mirna valley, visitors can explore the Land of Hayracks, an open-air museum displaying traditional Dolenjska region hayracks. How do I get to Grm? The village sits within the Trebnje municipality in the southeastern part of the country. Access is available via local roads from Trebnje, which serves as a natural base for exploring the area. Trebnje is located approximately 30 km southeast of Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. Frequently Asked Questions Is Grm a popular tourist destination? Grm is a quiet village with a typical rural character, visited mainly by travelers interested in discovering smaller settlements of the Lower Carniola region and local religious architecture. What is the best time to visit? The area is suitable for visiting year-round, though spring and summer months are favorable for trips through the rural landscapes of southeastern Slovenia. Does Grm have tourist facilities? Due to the village's small size, basic tourist infrastructure is located in nearby Trebnje, which offers accommodation, dining options, and tourist information services.
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.