Step into the magical world of famous Croatian storyteller Mato Lovrak

by croatiaweek
May 14, 2024
in News

Mato Lovrak Cultural Center in Veliki Grđevac (Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

Mato Lovrak, born in 1899 in Veliki Grđevac, was a renowned Croatian writer famous for his children’s stories.

His books were translated into many languages, like German and Czech. Lovrak’s stories focused on caring for kids, nature’s wonder, and fairness. He left a big mark on Croatian children’s literature and inspired others.

He wrote realistic tales like “Vlak u snijegu” (“A Train in the Snow”) and “Družba Pere Kvrržice” (Pero Kvržica’s Gang”), which both went on to became famous movies.

Mato Lovrak Cultural Centre

The great writer’s stories still capture the imagination of anyone who reads them today, and at the “Mato Lovrak Cultural Centre” in Veliki Grđevac, which is in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County, visitors can return to their childhood and become part these unique adventures again.

Mato Lovrak greets visitors to the centre (Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

The center houses a steam locomotive with carriages, unearthed by children in “A Train in the Snow”, an identical mill renovated by Pero Kvržica’s gang, the well where Medo fainted, a traditional Miller’s house, a canopy with a summer classroom, a children’s playground, and a promenade along the stream with benches.

Kids in front of the train (Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

The house set up in traditional style (Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

(Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

Nearby, through the forest surrounding the Center, lies the Nature Friends Trail, with several stations where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the Veliki Grđevac region, and see otters and a colony of beavers living near Pere Kvržica’s mill.

Every year, the Lovrak Culture Days are held at the Center, aiming to better present and introduce Lovrak’s character and his works.

(Photo credit: Stipe Boščić)

As part of their school trips, Mato Lovrak Cultural Centre, along with the Mato Lovrak memorial room located at the “Mato Lovrak” Elementary School, is visited by thousands of students throughout the year, as well as other visitors, not only from Croatia but from all over Europe.

(Photo: Private album)

“Kukavica” Sports and Recreation Center

Nestled in the heart of the forest, the “Kukavica” Sports and Recreation Center offers a retreat in nature, away from the daily hustle and bustle.

The center is named after the Cuckoo bird, which lived in the forests in that area. It is surrounded by cycling and horseback riding trails, stretching along the forest, gentle hills, fertile fields, meadows, streams, and ponds, all showcasing the biodiversity and preservation of the Bilogora region.

(Photo credit: Kuc Mato Lovrak)

In addition to its attractive natural resources, the Center has several accommodation facilities, a multipurpose hall (for various meetings, lectures, courses, seminars, and various social and recreational activities), a kitchen, sports and recreational fields (handball, basketball, football field, running track, beach volleyball court, etc.), outdoor showers, and a stable for horses.

(Photo credit: Kuc Mato Lovrak)

Throughout the year, various events, like the Children’s Kindergarten Olympics, seminars and trainings, team buildings, nature schools, camps, and various other activities are organised within the Center.