Zrin is situated in a picturesque valley on the southern slopes of the central part of Zrinska Gora. It holds great significance in Croatian history as the birthplace of Nikola Subic Zrinski, a brave and renowned Croatian military hero who valiantly defended his homeland and Europe against the Ottoman Empire.

The association between Subic and Zrin began in 1347 when Subic received Zrin as a gift from King Louis I. From that time onwards, he and his descendants adopted the name Zrinski, derived from Zrin.

During Nikola's lifetime, the Zrinski family rose to become the most influential noble family in the Kingdom of Croatia, earning widespread recognition and respect throughout Europe. Their fame largely stemmed from Nikola's involvement in the famous "Siege of Szigetvar" in 1566. Unfortunately, Nikola lost his life in this battle, but not before he and his warriors successfully halted the Ottoman Empire's advance toward Vienna.

Following Nikola's death, Zrin changed hands several times until the final victory against the Ottoman Empire in 1689. In September 1943, Zrin experience a horrifying massacre that had been authorised by the authorities.  This massacre resulted in the brutal killing of innocent men, women, and children. The townspeople were stripped of their belongings, banished, and forbidden from ever discussing the events that took place. They were branded as enemies of the state, a stigma that lasted long after the war.  Their only sin was that they were Catholic Croatians who did not want to be Communists.

It is crucial to highlight that there were no military forces present in the town. They weren’t the enemy, just residents, mostly farmers, cobblers, blacksmiths, forestry workers, and other occupations. They had a musical band, two churches, two schools, and various other tradespeople such as bakers, tailors, butchers, a barber, a postman, a policeman, the furriers, and 3 shops. There were 8 water-powered mills and a fire/steam mill for grinding flour and corn. A happy town.

According to the last official census in 1910, Zrin had a population of 781 individuals, 777 Catholic Croatians, 3 Serbians, and 1 Hungarian. Prior to World War II, the population was estimated to be around 800-850 people, with the majority being Catholic. During the war and its aftermath, 291 residents of Zrin lost their lives.

In modern times, the dispersed descendants of the Zrin community gather annually in their ancestral town to commemorate the suffering endured by their ancestors. Despite the crimes committed, including murder and forced expulsion, the Zrin parish was not abolished by the Zagreb Diocese.

After more than 75 years of silence, a significant moment occurred on July 29, 2019, when a new bell rang from the bell tower of the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Cross in Zrin. 
 
Steps are underway to revitalise historical tourism and establish organic lavender fields, which could bring economic benefits to the village, such as job opportunities and increased revenue from lavender-related products.
 
We hope to see you in Zrin soon.