Bistrica name was first mentioned in 1209. as an estate by the Croatian-Hungarian King Andrew II. Governor returns Vratislav.
Marija Bistrica has a rich and varied history, but most of its history associated with the black statue of Mary for centuries attracted thousands of visitors to Marija Bistrica.
Marija Bistrica is the largest Marian shrine in Croatia, located in the Croatian Zagorje only 30 kilometres from Zagreb. The Miraculous statue of the black Virgin Mary, which was originally located above the chapel of Marija Bistrica, was inserted into the walls of the parish church because of the danger of Turkish invasion. It was re-discovered in 1684.

In addition to the beautiful church - basilica, there is Stations of the Cross to the Calvary, which are works of art in their own right and created by famous Croatian sculptors. Behind the Calvary, in an oasis of peace, there is Convent for the barefoot Carmelites. All paths lead to Marija Bistrica, some of them pilgrim routes, mountain hiking trails or bicycle routes from Zagreb, Varaždin and Krapina.