How the famous Lepoglava lace is made

For the third year in a row, every day until the end of September, Zagreb’s guests and citizens will have an opportunity to see how the famous lace of Lepoglava is made. Spectators will be able to witness the techniques that are implemented to produce this lace, which is one of the seven Croatian phenomena of Intangible Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO. This daily presentation will take place in front of the Croatian Cultural Heritage Gallery, which is located at the base of the Zagreb funicular.

Zagreb’s guests and citizens will, once again, have an opportunity to see how the lace of Lepoglava is made. The presentation of this valuable cultural treasure is being organized for the third year in a row, from the beginning of April until the end of September. This year, crafty lace-makers from Lepoglava in the Zagorje region, will be presenting for the first time, and on a daily basis, the technique of lace-making in front of the Croatian Cultural Heritage Gallery, which is located at the base of the Zagreb funicular. Apart from the Cultural Heritage Gallery, this project also involves members of the Lace making association of Lepoglava.

It is presumed that the technique of making the Lepoglava lace was first introduced by the Pauline monks who came to Lepoglava in 1400. Lepoglava bobbin lace is made by braiding thread wound on spindles, or bobbins, predominantly by the village women, who used it as decoration for traditional clothing or sold it to visitors. The islands of Pag and Hvar are also well-known within Croatia for their lace products. Needle-point lace is made on the island of Pag; the sisters of the Benedictine monastery on Hvar also make lace with a small needle and, apart from the way it is woven, it is also known for being made from agave thread. Lace-making in Croatia has a rich tradition and lace from Lepoglava, Pag, and Hvar have all been included amongst the seven phenomena of Croatian Intangible Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO.

Many buyers, however, find the prices of this “white gold” to be too high. That is why, during this lace workshop, products will be on sale at symbolic prices as original usable souvenirs. Lace-makers will weave lace for tourists on a daily basis and will create appealing lace earrings, coasters, and other usable decorations. Workshops will also be attended by famous guests and complemented by stories of lace in many languages, as well as a brochure that reveals all secrets of this famous heritage of Lepoglava in both pictures and words.

Besides giving buyers an opportunity to buy a piece of lace at a bargain price, the aforementioned event will also have an educational character. Therefore, we are inviting you to come and learn about the tradition of making the lace of Lepoglava; a very valuable and unique Croatian souvenir.