Trg Gospe Kunagorske

Pregrada is a small town in Hrvatsko Zagorje, in the north of Croatia, close to the Slovenian border, and its life is bound up with the hill of Kunagora, which rises to the north of the town. The summit carries a pilgrimage church, the Church of Our Lady of Kunagora (Gospa Kunagorska), dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a widely visited place of prayer in the region. The square named after her, Trg Gospe Kunagorske, is the centre of the town below and a good place to begin a visit.

The square is the sort of open, informal space that small Zagorje towns have: a paved area surrounded by modest historic buildings, with trees, benches and cafés, where residents meet, children play and local events take place. Markets, concerts and festivals use it through the year, and the church of the town stands close by, so the square is also the setting for religious feasts and processions. The pace is relaxed, and sitting at a café table is a good way to see the rhythms of local life, from morning coffee to the evening stroll.

Close to the square is the Pregrada City Museum, housed in the building known as the Old School, which gives an overview of the local heritage. Pregrada has a history in coal mining, and the museum reflects this along with other collections that tell the story of the area. A visit takes an hour or less and helps to explain how the town developed.

The pilgrimage of Kunagora gives the square its name and much of its meaning. The hill, which lies a short distance above the town, is reached by a path that climbs through woods and meadows, and the route is lined with places of prayer. At the top are the Kunagora Mountain Hut and Chapel and the Kunagora Summit and Meadow, with wide views of the Zagorje hills and, on clear days, the mountains of Slovenia. The Lenart Steps are a local route up the hill, and the ruins of Kostelgrad Castle lie on the slopes nearby. The walk is a pleasant half-day and is popular on feast days, when pilgrims come from many places.

The square is free and always open. It suits walkers, pilgrims, families and travellers exploring Zagorje by car, and it makes a natural starting point for a day on Kunagora. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb, and check opening times for the museum.