Review article

The Heritage of Vinica over the Centuries

Ivana Peškan ; Ministarstvo kulture RH, Uprava za zaštitu kulturne baštine, Konzervatorski odjel u Varaždinu
Vesna Pascuttini Juraga ; Ministarstvo kulture RH, Uprava za zaštitu kulturne baštine, Konzervatorski odjel u Varaždinu

Abstract

Vinica is situated along the outermost northeast slopes of Maceljska gora mountain (Haloze), fi fteen kilometres to the west of Varaždin. The area of Vinica is characterized by its rich history and a multitude of preserved examples of cultural and historical heritage. The purpose of this paper is to not only topographically list and describe the numerous monuments, but also to analyse the cultural layers and their setting and function within their surroundings. The favourable strategic position, quarries, fertile land and freshwater springs have made this area suitable for human settlement since prehistoric times, and then in the Classical Antiquity, which is proven by numerous archaeological fi ndings and sites in the area of Vinica. During the Middle Ages Vinica was an important market town, with the Vinica castle and the parish church of St Mark as its main architectural features. The castle is strategically positioned on one of the outermost slopes descending to the valley of Varaždin, but sheltered and immersed in the surrounding hills. Archaeological fi ndings suggest that the castle was probably constructed on the site of a prehistoric fort. Not far away from this defence point, on a plateau in the very vicinity of the valley, is the ecclesiastical centre of Vinica, the parish church of St Mark. Despite all the changes of the church structure over the years, the remnants of its older phases are preserved as spolia and fragments, testifying of the skills of its builders and sculptors. The further development of Vinica included the construction of several castles, manor houses and other profane buildings, all realizations of considerable quality. Among these a prominent place is occupied by the remains of the Opeka castle, unfortunately an example of the poor state of conservation of Vinica’s rich architectural heritage. Important assets of Vinica are its numerous freshwater springs, frequently transformed into architectural onuments of high evironmental value. A distinct group of smaller
sacral monuments comprises votive columns and wayside shrines of varying cultural and historical value; however, their environmental value remains unquestionable. A particularly interesting and important stone monument is the »Pranger«, a measure for wheat and a pillory with long history and various meanings. A signifi cant component in the shaping of the cultural landscape of Vinica is its residential architecture, characterized by partly preserved traditional features combined with some typical local elements such as quality carved stone.

Keywords

Vinica; Vinica castle; parish church of St Mark; manor houses; Pranger

Hrčak ID:

188392

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/188392

Publication date:

15.12.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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