For many people—usually those in the know –parts of central Croatia are the most romantic of all the Croatian mainland. This is where undulating hills topped by small churches and surrounded by straight-laced vineyards, sweep down to deep valleys sheltering traditional huts, romantic castles and manor houses. Pilgrims have trodden these paths for centuries, praying at holy sites, bathing in thermal springs. Today, continental Croatia is still the land of the unknown, though different pilgrims are now coming in search of its rich historic, cultural and natural heritage. They stay in towns like Varaždin, Krapina, Čakovec, Sisak… and others. Readily accessible by a variety of transport, this is indeed an area full of surprises. It still requires a degree of dedication and a love of life the way it used to be, mixed with a pinch of open-minded exploration. A land of romantic myths and fairy tales told round the fire of a country inn.

Each of the areas of central Croatia has its own specific features. Take Hrvatsko Zagorje, a small region in the north-west, close to Zagreb. Despite its size, it boasts as many as fifty castles and manor houses. Some have been restored and opened to visitors, others are still waiting for better days, but all provide a peek into the world of history and legends and offer a rare world of beauty and tranquility. With such facilities, location and ambience, a congress could choose worse places to meet.