Velika Mlaka Wooden Church

The chapel of St Barbara at Velika Mlaka was built of oak in 1642 in the Turopolje, the lowland south of Zagreb where a whole family of wooden churches survives - built by carpenters in the same tradition as the local houses, with shingled roofs and a squat tower. Inside, every surface of walls and ceiling is painted with figures, foliage and scenes in a folk baroque manner, work of the eighteenth century, and the effect in a small dark timber room is unlike anything in a masonry church. It is among the best preserved of the Turopolje wooden chapels, several of which stand within a short drive.

What you actually see

• An oak chapel of 1642 - built by carpenters in the local tradition.
• Painted walls and ceiling throughout - folk baroque of the 1700s.
• A shingled roof and squat tower - the Turopolje building type.
• Other wooden chapels nearby - a surviving family of them.

When to go

April to October, when arranging access is easier. Two hours.

Honest expectations

The chapel is normally locked and getting in means contacting the parish beforehand. It is small and dark, and photography without flash is difficult. Zagreb airport is close and aircraft are audible.

Nearby

Velika Gorica and the Turopolje museum are north; Zagreb is beyond.