KRAPJE - ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE
The village of Krapje, which is situated in central
Croatia on the left bank of the river Sava in the
county of Sisacko-Moslavacka, belongs to the Jasenovac
municipality. The village is known for its numerous
well preserved traditional wooden houses, and
exceptionally rich fishing and hunting areas;
hence it is no surprise to learn that the village
derives its name from a fish. The carp (Cyprinus
carpio) to be exact or "Krap" as
it is known to the natives. The fact that there
is no Industry or highway in the proximity of Krapje,
is a major factor in preserving this ecologically
unique area. Not far from the village is an
ornithology wildlife refuge called Krapje-Djol. It shelters many bird as
well as numerous other animal species within the
Nature Park Lonjsko 
Polje. Although originally part of Croatia, present Krapje
was resettled after pushing the Turkish Empire to the
east at the end of the 17th century, thus ending a
century and a half of long Turkish rule. It became a
part of the Austro-Hungarian empire military border
and remained that way for decades. The Parish of
Krapje was separated from Jasenovac in 1789 and the
village itself became a municipal center consisting of
the villages Krapje, Drenov Bok, Puska and Plesmo. In
1831 a new Catholic Church has been built, which
stands tall to this day. Steady development was
abruptly halted in 1932 after a fire swept through the
village, leaving only ruin and devastation in its
wake. At the very beginning of WW2 the fascist Ustasa
government opened a concentration camp near Krapje as
part of the Jasenovac camp complex, but was closed in
late autumn that same year. After WW2 many villagers
abandoned their home, to move to large cities or work
abroad. Consequently the population size has been
drastically declining ever since.
During the Croatian war for 
independence (1991-1995)
the village found itself near the frontlines, but
fortunately it survived the war without any
significant damage or loss of life. In 1995, Krapje
was proclaimed an Architectural heritage village and
gradual renewal of many traditional houses finally
began. In spite of relative geographical isolation,
Krapje became a well known destination for visitors
and tourists who appreciate the laid back, quiet village life,
beautiful nature and wild life.