Krapina Neanderthal

At Bled Castle, in collaboration with the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, we have prepared the guest exhibition Krapina Neanderthal, marking the first collaboration between two important cultural institutions dedicated to history and heritage.

Bled Castle is renowned for its rich history and museum collection, which takes visitors on a journey through Bled’s dynamic past—from the earliest settlers to the present day. One of the most recognizable Slovenian cultural monuments, the castle was awarded the Živa Award in 2024 for the best Slavic heritage site, confirming its exceptional value and significance within the broader European context.

Near the Neanderthal site in Krapina, Croatia, stands the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, dedicated to preserving and researching one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, dating back 130,000 years. In 2015, the museum was awarded the European Heritage Label, recognizing its contribution to the preservation and exploration of shared European history.

The author of the Krapina Neanderthal exhibition is Jurica Sabol, Director of the Museums of Croatian Zagorje. Visitors to Bled Castle can look forward to an extraordinary experience, with the opportunity to explore the life and culture of Neanderthals, as well as fossil remains of extinct animals.

Visiting the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural connections between Slovenia and Croatia and their shared roots in the past.

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located near the famous archaeological site Hušnjakovo in Krapina, is one of the most important European collections dedicated to the life of Neanderthals. It is devoted to researching, preserving, and presenting prehistoric heritage.