Krapina has been known since 1193. It has always been a favourite site for castles and country houses of Croatian and Hungarian rulers. After the danger of Turkish attack had passed, it was conceded to the Keglevic counts and became an important administrative town. It also became a religious centre. In the mid 17th century, a Franciscan monastery and the Baroque church of St Catherine were built. The sacristy and some of the monastery rooms are decorated with vivid frescoes by Ivan Ranger.