Municipality of Pušća: Rolling Hills, Churches and Wine Tradition

Rolling Hills and Pilgrimage Route

Pušća has a dynamic hilly landscape in the Marijagoričko pobrđe, with large areas largely retaining their aesthetic and natural landscape value. This shapes the character of the municipality, setting its landscape alongside its religious and historical attractions. At Crikveni brijeg, the Stations of the Cross, Staza života–Križni put, runs along the slope between the parish church of Sv. Juraj and the church of Majka Božja Čiselska. The route links the two churches as its endpoints to the hillside setting, giving the pilgrimage route a distinct geographical context.

Religious Buildings and Local History

The chapel of Majka Božja Čiselska stands on a hill above the parish church in Donja Pušća and is a protected monument of the highest category. The parish church of Sv. Juraj in Donja Pušća was originally Gothic and was later given a Baroque makeover. It therefore displays two distinct building phases: its original Gothic form and the later Baroque alterations.

The old school building offers a different perspective on Donja Pušća: it stands in the centre, on the main road below the hill with the parish church. Comparing its location with that of the church on the hill helps put the different sites of the buildings into context. The statue of St. Florian in Pušća adds to the cultural attractions as a late Baroque stone work with artistic and cultural-historical value.

Earthquake Damage and Planning Your Visit

The parish church was damaged in the earthquake of 29 December 2020. The chapel of Majka Božja Čiselska in Donja Pušća was closed due to damage while restoration work was underway. Before visiting, check whether the chapel has since reopened.

Cycling Routes and Wine Tradition

Cycling routes that include Pušća include Marija Gorica–Brdovec–Pušća and Kupljenovo–Luka–Dubravica–Marija Gorica–Pušća. The first route name lists Marija Gorica and Brdovec before Pušća; the second also includes Kupljenovo, Luka and Dubravica. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by the sequence of places listed.

As part of the InterWine project, the Vinski podrum Pušća connects cultural heritage with the traditions of grape growing and winemaking. Check the current operating conditions before planning a visit. Events also offer insight into the local culinary scene: after Jurjevski fruštik 2024, the gathering continued with the traditional Salamijada and the Wine and Cheese Festival.

More Places to Explore in Zagreb County

Other places in the broader destination of Zagreb County are also associated with their own cultural and culinary themes. In Samobor, Muštarda and Bermet are traditional specialities, as are Samoborske kremšnite. Vrbovec is especially associated with the festival “Kaj su jeli naši stari,” which focuses on homemade traditional dishes. The specific festival dates vary. In Zaprešić, the Museum of Matija Skurjeni is housed in a former granary and displays works by the naive painter Matija Skurjeni. The Museum of the Turopolje region in Velika Gorica offers insights into life in Turopolje through its ethnographic, cultural-historical, archaeological and art-historical collections.

Discover more destinations: Pušća, Municipality of Velika Gorica, Municipality of Vrbovec, Municipality of Jastrebarsko, Municipality of Kravarsko, Municipality of Sveta Nedelja, Town of Samobor, Municipality of Dubrava.

Go to the broader travel overview: Zagreb County.