THE 800TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF KRAPINA

Motif: The Ljudevit Gaj Square in Krapina with Gaj's bust. Krapina lies at the foothills of the Strahinjščica Mountain on the main road connection from Zagreb to the North. It is the centre of the Hrvatsko zagorje Region and of the kaikavian dialect area. Krapina is host to the annual "Dani kajkavske reči" Celebration, festival dedicated to the autochtonous kaikavian art and literature. There is a birthplace of Ljudevit Gaj, who inspired and led the Illyrian movement dedicated to the development of the Croatian national consciousness. Krapina was first mentioned in 1193 in the document by which the feudal taxes (one tenth) from the royal estates of Krapina were granted to Dominik, bishop of Zagreb. A country market town on the slopes was chartered in 1347 by Ludovic l, a trade centre became a royal free town. The cultural growth of the town was sparked (the local school dates from 1665). Noteworthy landmarks include Ljudevit Gaj's birthhouse, now used as a museum, the Baroque group comprising the Franciscan Monastery with the adjacent St. Katarina parish church. A lot of rich cultural and historic monuments are enhanced by the serene scenic natural beauties of this area of woodlands, vineyards and picturesque villages. All these traits, combined with the traditionally organized village households, and the road connections could enhance tourist trade. The stamp was printed in sheets of 20 pieces each. HPT put on sale the commemorative envelope of the first day (FDC), and a commemorative sheet, too.