Located 16 kilometers south of Zagreb, this Croatian city has grown from a medieval market town into a modern urban center near Zagreb International Airport.
Located 16 kilometers south of Zagreb, Velika Gorica is Croatia's sixth-largest town and home to the country's main international airport. Visit the 18th-century Turopolje Museum to explore local artifacts, walk through the medieval fortress of Old Town Lukavec, or discover the hand-carved wooden chapels in nearby villages. The town's extensive parks and gardens earned it the Silver Flower of Europe award, competing against 5,300 European cities.
Transport Connections
Franjo Tuđman Airport connects Velika Gorica directly to major European cities. You can take a bus every 30 minutes between Zagreb and Velika Gorica center. The town's transport network will expand with the planned A11 highway creating a western bypass, while State route D31 will form the eastern bypass.
Museums and Historical Sites
The Turopolje Museum occupies a 1750 baroque building, formerly the city hall of the Noble Commune of Turopolje. Its exhibitions document the area's timeline from Neolithic settlements through Roman times to the present day. Built in 1256, Old Town Lukavec retains its original medieval walls and towers. In villages within 10 kilometers of the town center, you can visit wooden chapels built by local Turopolje and Pokuplje craftsmen.
Parks and Gardens
A network of connected green spaces weaves through Velika Gorica, including formal gardens, community parks, and protected forest areas. The landscaping incorporates native trees from Turopolje forests and links to archaeological sites, including the Roman thermae ruins in Ščitarjevo. This green initiative earned the town the 2011 Green Flower award from the Croatian Tourist Board.
Cultural Activities
The People's Open University hosts theater performances in its main hall, contemporary art exhibitions, and independent film screenings. You can attend local music concerts here, and browse publications focusing on regional authors and topics.
Sports Activities
You can watch HNK Gorica's football matches at their home stadium or see HRK Gorica compete in handball games during the season. The town's basketball team, KK Gorica, and women's volleyball club OK Azena play in national leagues. Public sports facilities across town serve both competitive teams and recreational players.
