Zavičajni muzej Varaždinske Toplice

About the museum

The museum is housed in the Old Town (Stari grad), a 14th-century castle that was converted into a Baroque manor at the end of the 17th century and given a neo-Gothic façade in the 19th century. In the courtyard, with its Baroque portico, a lapidarium of ancient stone monuments has been set up. The museum was founded in 1937 by Josip Čabrian, a pharmacist from Toplice and polymath (mr. ph.).

The Roman settlement of Aquae Iasae, which existed from the 1st to the 4th century, stood beside the thermal spring with healing water. In today's park a complex of Roman public architecture has been uncovered: a bathing area with pools and a basilica, a forum with porticoes around the main spring, and a capitolium with the temples of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Research has been carried out since 1953, and about 6,000 m² of ancient buildings have been uncovered. The spring has a temperature of around 58 °C.

The most valuable find is a marble statue of the goddess Minerva from the 2nd century, made in Ptuj as a votive offering for healing. Also especially valuable are the votive altars to the nymphs, reliefs from a nymphaeum of the 2nd century and a tablet of Emperor Constantine the Great. The museum also holds a collection of works by academic and naïve artists from the surrounding area, an ethnographic collection and a traditional wooden house from 1801.

Highlights

• Statue of the goddess Minerva from the 2nd century
• Votive altars to the nymphs and nymphaeum reliefs
• Lapidarium in the courtyard of the Old Town
• Archaeological park Aquae Iasae with the Roman forum and spring
• Traditional wooden house from 1801

Permanent exhibition

• Arheološki postav Aquae Iasae – Roman monuments from the site of Aquae Iasae, including a statue of the goddess Minerva, votive altars and nymphaeum reliefs; the display is currently closed for works.

Founded

1937

Operated by

Zavičajni muzej Varaždinske Toplice

Admission & discounts

Ticket for the archaeological display and the Galerija Toplissa: adults €3, pupils, students and pensioners €2, pre-school children €1.50.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is best reached by car or bus.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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