The black gold of Moslavina tour

Moslavina, an area east of Zagreb, is one of the oldest oil regions in the world. Oil, and later gas, was first extracted here in the 19th century. However, it was not until after the Second World War that the oil industry really took off, including in the town of Ivanić-Grad in western Moslavina. In 1949, the first of seven oil fields was discovered here, and the town and its surrounding area became known as "Little Kuwait" due to the number of pumps used. In the 1960s and 1970s, numerous companies were established, contributing to the industrial development of the town. Ivanić-Grad also developed as a health resort helped by the discovery of an oil well, unique in Europe, from which the medicinal oil 'Naftalan' is extracted. Naftalan is used in a specially built clinic for the treatment of various skin and rheumatic diseases, as well as for rehabilitation.

Although some of the oil fields have been exploited and closed, many of the oil pumps can still be seen and visited. The Ivanić-Grad Tourist Board offers interactive guided tours on the theme of 'The Black Gold of Moslavina' - oil, naphthalene and pumpkin seed oil. The tours cover the rich history of the town, the stories of the working families and the industrial architecture. Each important site is marked with an information board.