Velika Gorica - History

History

Velika Gorica and surrounding plain area by the Sava river have always been fertile and lush so it is no wonder it has been constantly inhabited since Neolithic. First major settlement was founded in 1st century where village of Šćitarjevo stands now days. It was called Andautonia and it was important Roman port on Sava river and city on roads connecting Siscia with Emona and Poetovio. The Roman town was abounded at the beginning of 5th century.

Croats came to these parts in eight century and remains from early Croat culture were found on numerous places around city of Velika Gorica. Velika Gorica is first mentioned in 1228 as a seat of parish. In 1278 noblemen from Turopolje joined into a union called Plemenita opčina turopoljska ("Noble municipality of Turopolje"). Plemenita opčina turopoljska was granted a rule over Turopolje by Croatian monarchs and exists still today with mainly ceremonial and not political role.

The 20th century was by far most important one in history of Velika Gorica as it grew from a small village of 2,871 inhabitants to an important and one of the largest cities in Croatia with population over 60 thousand inhabitants. Until 1995 Velika Gorica was part of City of Zagreb and since then it has a city status of its own.

During Croatian War of Independence Velika Gorica was not heavy damaged but it was constantly under Serbian fire. City played important role because of two airports in its near distance. Velika Gorica's 153rd brigade of Croatian Army fought on battlefields all around Croatia.