You’ve landed at Franjo Tuđman Airport, completed all formalities, and now have a few hours or an entire day to spare? Whether you're here on business, passing through, or have decided to explore what Velika Gorica has to offer, take the opportunity to discover some of the region's hidden gems – from gastronomy to history and culture!
Velika Gorica is more than just a transit point to Zagreb – it's a city of rich history, fascinating culture, and exceptional gastronomy. Here’s how to make the most of your time, from relaxation and accommodation to top-tier restaurants and unique cultural experiences.
First Step – Where to Stay Near the Airport?
If you’re staying for more than a few hours and need accommodation near the airport, Hotel Royal Airport and Hotel Garden Hill are excellent choices. Both offer modern accommodation with comfortable rooms, wellness facilities, and proximity to all major locations in Velika Gorica.
Hotel Royal Airport provides a tranquil atmosphere with elegant interiors, while Hotel Garden Hill offers a more luxurious experience with a restaurant serving excellent local specialties. Whichever you choose, both hotels serve as a perfect base for exploring Turopolje.
First Stop – Get Your Information in One Place
After arriving in Velika Gorica, whether you have just landed or are already settled in, your first step in exploring the city should be a visit to the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica and its Visitor Center. Open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this is where you can collect brochures, maps, and learn about attractions and events in Velika Gorica and Turopolje.
If you prefer to explore independently, scan the mobile guide at www.touropolje.com, which provides information in 20 languages, with an option to expand to 67 world languages. This digital platform allows you to explore 24 locations, including historical landmarks, virtual tours, and interesting stories about Turopolje.
Scan the QR code and visit Touropolje.com instantly.
Examples of Traditional Wooden Sacred Architecture Nearby
Close to the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica, you’ll find two remarkable examples of Turopolje’s wooden sacral architecture – The Chapel of the Wounded Jesus and The Chapel of St. Barbara.
- The Chapel of the Wounded Jesus, built in the 18th century, is one of the few preserved wooden sacral structures in this part of Croatia. Its simple yet impressive architecture is a perfect example of Turopolje’s craftsmanship, rooted in the region’s rich carpentry tradition.
- The Chapel of St. Barbara, located in Velika Mlaka, is another valuable example of Turopolje’s wooden church architecture. Its interior boasts a Baroque altar from the 17th century, and the centuries-old trees surrounding it give it a special, almost mystical feel.
Both chapels are just a few minutes' drive from the airport, and you can find more information about their history and significance on the mobile guide www.touropolje.com.
If you want to experience the authentic heritage of this region, a visit to these historic chapels will give you unique insight into Turopolje’s tradition and architectural legacy.
A Morning Excursion to Andautonia: A Journey into the Past
If you want to explore the history of Velika Gorica and discover traces of the Romans in this region, grab a coffee to go and head to Andautonia – an archaeological site located in Ščitarjevo, just 15 minutes from Franjo Tuđman Airport.
Walking along its ancient paved streets, you can feel the same stones that Romans walked on 2,000 years ago. This was once home to merchants, soldiers, and craftsmen, and today you can see remains of their homes, thermal baths, and the city forum. Informational panels and guided tours help bring to life the bustling activity of this once-flourishing Roman settlement.
Andautonia is open to visitors from May 2nd to October 31st, on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For organized visits and additional information, contact the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb at +385 (0)1 4800 009.
For history lovers, Andautonia is not just an ordinary excursion – it’s a chance to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of one of Croatia’s significant Roman settlements.
Authentic Experience at KUD Novo Čiče
After a historical tour, it's time for an authentic local experience. Head to KUD Novo Čiče, located just 15 minutes from the airport and a few minutes from the center of Velika Gorica.
Here, you’ll find a 19th-century schoolhouse, restored in traditional Turopolje style. But this isn’t just any museum – inside this historic building, you can explore original handicrafts, everyday objects from the past, and buy handmade souvenirs, from lacework to wooden figurines. If you love unique keepsakes and gifts, this is the perfect place for you.
A Taste of Turopolje – Where to Eat?
When hunger strikes, it's time for an authentic Turopolje culinary experience. Velika Gorica offers several exceptional restaurants blending tradition with modern gastronomy.
Mon Ami Restaurant – Fine Dining with a Michelin Recommendation
For an elegant lunch with a focus on premium ingredients, Mon Ami is the perfect choice. Just 10 minutes from the airport, this Michelin-recommended restaurant is known for its exquisite cuisine.
The menu changes seasonally, but be sure to try truffle dishes or fresh asparagus, depending on the season. Specializing in seafood, Mon Ami also offers a carefully curated wine selection featuring some of Croatia’s finest wines.
Pivnica Turopolje – Traditional Turopolje Specialties
If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere and authentic homemade food, Pivnica Turopolje is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy traditional Turopolje dishes, such as roasted ribs, blood sausages, and homemade štrukli.
With locally brewed beers and a rustic ambiance, this is the perfect spot for a true gourmet experience in Turopolje.
Kurija Modić Bedeković – A Step Back in Time with the Taste of Homemade Štrukli
After a good meal, it's time for a cultural experience. Visit Kurija Modić Bedeković, one of the best-preserved examples of Turopolje’s wooden mansions, located in the heart of Velika Gorica.
If you want to explore the history of this area, the Turopolje Museum offers guided tours featuring ethnographic collections and stories of everyday life in the past. For visit reservations, contact the Turopolje Museum at +385 1 6221 325.
Right next to the mansion, you’ll find The Kurija restaurant, where you can taste homemade štrukli prepared according to traditional recipes. The relaxing atmosphere and authentic flavors make this a perfect end to a day full of discoveries.
For Those Who Want More – Join a Traditional Štrukli Workshop
If you’d like to learn how to make this beloved Turopolje dish, join a Štrukli-making workshop led by Ivana Belošević, a local expert who has inherited the tradition from her family.
To organize a workshop, contact the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica at +385 1 6222 378.
Small Gin School – Discover the World of Craft Gin
For those who love unique workshops, Velika Gorica offers a special experience – a gin tasting and workshop at the renowned Brigljević Distillery.
To learn more or make a reservation, visit their website or email info@brigljevicdistillery.com.
Velika Gorica – More Than Just a Stopover
Whether you’re here for a few hours or plan to stay longer, Velika Gorica has something to offer everyone. Follow Tourist Board of Velika Gorica on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.