Attraction Guide: Staro Selo Museum, Kumrovec, Croatia

Staro Selo Museum Guide

Step Back in Time: Experience Rural Life at Staro Selo Museum Guide

Welcome to Staro Selo Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum in Kumrovec, Croatia, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional rural life of the Zagorje region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More than just a collection of old buildings, Staro Selo is a living museum where you can wander through meticulously preserved and reconstructed houses, barns, and workshops, each telling a story of the people who once lived and worked there. Prepare to be transported to a simpler time, where the rhythms of life were dictated by the seasons and the community thrived on self-sufficiency. The museum's collection comprises around 40 structures, each carefully relocated from various villages in the surrounding area. These aren't just empty shells; they're furnished with authentic artifacts, tools, and household items, providing a realistic portrayal of daily life. You'll see traditional kitchens with wood-burning stoves, bedrooms with hand-woven textiles, and workshops filled with the tools of various trades, such as blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving. The museum aims to preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of the region, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. A visit to Staro Selo is more than just sightseeing; it's an immersive experience. You can participate in workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts, learn about the local customs and folklore, and even sample some of the region's culinary specialties. Keep an eye out for seasonal events and festivals that bring the museum to life with music, dance, and traditional food. Don't miss the opportunity to try "štrukli," a baked pastry filled with cottage cheese, a Zagorje staple. The museum shop offers a variety of locally made crafts and souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of Zagorje home with you.