The first written mention of Krapinske Toplice dates back to the 16th century, when thermal springs and a swimming pool are mentioned. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the spa town gradually developed into a place of treatment and convalescence, and in the 19th century, more systematic development began. At that time, spa buildings were erected, the springs were organised, and the foundations for the development of health tourism were laid.
The Topothek, however, was launched in September 2025 as a project by history teacher Valentina Novoselec Filipovski and pupils from the history group to mark the 180th anniversary of organised school education in Krapinske Toplice. The motivation for establishing this Topothek arose from a desire to honour 180 years of schooling in Krapinske Toplice.
Initially, the project focused on collecting photographs, documents and memories relating to the history of education and school life across different eras. The aim was to preserve valuable material documenting the development of education and the generations of pupils and teachers who have shaped the local community.
As the collection of materials grew, interest gradually expanded to include other important aspects of the town’s history. Particular emphasis was placed on the spa town’s rich heritage and the activities of individual associations that have shaped the social and cultural life of Krapinske Toplice over the decades.
This is a fine example of how the nature of a topotheque can evolve, through the collection of historical documents, photographs and so on, into a comprehensive, contemporary historical record of a place.
krapinsketoplice.topoteka.net