Varaždinske Toplice – A small town for big projects

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

The Rise of Cultural Tourism in the Interior

After three unforgettable evenings, the Noctes Aquae Iasae festival concluded last night in Varaždinske Toplice.

Lana Husnjak, the director of the Tourist Board of Varaždinske Toplice, and Jelena Štefanić, the artistic director and opera singer, have created an original festival on a unique stage – the best-preserved archaeological site in Croatia.

The ancient Roman baths, where Romans once healed their wounds, have been transformed into an open-air stage with top-notch production that would rival any metropolis.

But what’s particularly interesting? Varaždinske Toplice has only 1,300 residents, approximately the same number of visitors who have passed through the town in recent days.

It is well known that tourist boards in small continental destinations have very limited budgets, and despite great enthusiasm, they often cannot realize the projects they desire. Of course, there is the Ministry of Culture, but they first need to be convinced of the quality of your project, which means that the event must have several years of continuity.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) also offers various grants, but although applications are in January, the results usually take several months. In other words, planning and execution require investing your own funds, which is a challenge for small tourist boards.

However, this did not discourage the aforementioned festival organizers of Noctes Aquae Iasae from turning their dreams into reality. Their goal is to place Varaždinske Toplice on the map of destinations with developed cultural tourism. And they are indeed on the right track.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

This is the fourth year of the festival’s existence, which is special in many ways. Jelena Štefanić, a skilled opera singer who mainly performs outside Croatia, invited her friends and fellow artists to come to Varaždinske Toplice, created the repertoire, and Lana Husnjak took on the production.

The first year already delighted visitors, as they realized they were watching and listening to top-notch opera singers who usually perform on world stages, lead masterclasses, direct music academies, and are renowned worldwide.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

Besides international artists, renowned Croatian artists also perform, but there is also room for young talents. Another important point is that this event is supported by the town of Varaždinske Toplice and the Varaždin County, and during those days, the entire town lives for the festival.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

The fact is that this destination was until recently perceived primarily through the lens of health and spa tourism, so its further development in the direction of cultural tourism is even more significant.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

But this is not the only event in Toplice related to this direction in tourism. For almost 20 years, the Aquafest has been held in June, connecting culture and history. In the morning, an International Expert Forum is held, where guests from Croatia and abroad talk about thermal waters, which this region is known for, and its development potential.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

It is very valuable to hear about the hidden treasures in this small town. During these days, Roman processions and crafts come to life in the town, there is an evening art program, and ancient rituals of offering sacrifices are presented to give visitors a glimpse of the Roman way of life in this area.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

Another important woman in these cultural events is archaeologist Spomenka Vlahović, the director of the Local Museum of Varaždinske Toplice. She ensures that all events are presented authentically and retain their essence.

It is also worth mentioning that this small town recently opened a beautifully decorated high-category hotel, Bernarda, with a wellness center, next to which is a biodynamic restaurant, unique even in larger Croatian cities.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

The town proudly highlights its three culinary treasures: Đurina Hiža with a first-class offer of meat and local specialties, pizza made with thermal water, and the Toplička Spa Cake, made according to an 18th-century recipe, a kind of souvenir that can be tasted at several locations in the town.

Noctes Aquae Iasae festival (Photo credit: Damir Mrvčić)

It would be good if the relevant institutions recognized such efforts, the value of the projects, and the small tourist boards, and supported their development to a greater extent. Because although they are small, they bravely push their own boundaries and are excited to welcome visitors to show them the beauty of their region.