Die Sakralisierung der Landschaft im Nordwesten Kroatiens im langen 18. Jahrhundert
The sacralization of the landscape in northwestern Croatia during the long 18th century

Summary/Abstract: The area of Hrvatsko zagorje, like most parts of Northwestern Croatia, is characterized by very intensive building activity in the long 18th century. With construction of numerous sacred buildings such as pilgrimage churches, parish churches, chapels, shrines and calvaries, landscape was (re)designed into a stage with liturgical function. This sacralization of the landscape is still visible in the area on the border with Styria, along Sutla/Sotla river. The intensive sacralization of the landscape and the building boom in the 18th century took place in the wake of the CounterReformation, which in northern Croatia was primarily an all-encompassing renewal after the long period of the Ottoman Wars. Furthermore, the devotion to Mary experienced an intensive spread, which led to the construction of numerous new churches and chapels. Magnificent pilgrimage churches were built on mountains outside of towns, surrounded by fortresses-like arcaded walls with towers or cinktor – a phenomenon characteristic of Baroque architecture in Croatia – most famous examples in the churches in Trški Vrh/Krapina and Vinagora. The new churches were often built on the site of the older, preserving the continuation of sacred place and local architectural tradition.

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