The tree is estimated to be over 400 years old, placing its origin around the time of the Peasant Revolt.
It is a Large-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos), a species that typically lives for centuries but rarely reaches this girth in an urban setting.
The tree is officially designated as a protected natural monument under Croatian environmental law.
Historical records and folk tradition link the tree directly to the mobilization of serfs against feudal lords in the late 16th century.
Despite significant damage from lightning and age, the tree has been carefully pruned and braced to encourage new growth.
The site is part of a wider regional heritage network celebrating the history of the Stubica Valley.
Gupčeva Lipa is a centuries-old Tilia platyphyllos tree located in Gornja Stubica, Croatia, serving as a living monument to the 1573 Peasant Revolt. Standing approximately nine meters tall with a trunk circumference of nearly five meters, it is legally protected as a natural monument of botanical significance. Legend associates the tree with Matija Gubec, the leader of the peasant uprising, who allegedly gathered his followers beneath its branches. The tree remains the centerpiece of a protected cultural landscape near the parish church of St. George. It has survived centuries of environmental stress and historical upheaval, maintaining its status as a symbol of Croatian national identity. Current conservation efforts include structural support and ongoing arboricultural monitoring to preserve its remaining biological health.
From the churchyard path, capturing the tree with the parish church in the background.
Combine your visit with the nearby Museum of Peasant Revolts for full historical context.
The area is primarily an outdoor park space, so check the local weather forecast before visiting.
Respect the protective fencing installed around the base to prevent soil compaction and root damage.
Do not attempt to climb the tree or cross the protective barriers, as the specimen is fragile and protected.
