Ivan Zakmardi, a Gentleman Friend and Patron of Kri？evci: the Philanthropic Heritage in Northwest Croatia

Sa？etak Ivan Zakmardi Dijankove？ki (around 1600–1667) has been unjustly overlooked in historiography, as well as in his birthplace. He was distinguished as one of the influential individuals in the Croatian history of the 17th century by leaving a strong mark on politics and culture of today’s northwest Croatia. Although in historiography he was most often referred to as a prothonotary, his benefactions, which helped the development of school education, educational institutions, and culture, are important as well. This article portrays the heritage that emerged from Zakmardi’s philanthropic character. In fact, Zakmardi brought Paulines to Kri？evci, with whom he then founded a school. In Vara？din, he cooperated with Jesuits to found a seminary, a monastery and an endowment. In Zagreb, he erected an altar in St. Mark’s Church, which was later moved to Kri？evci. Also, for the needs of the old town school in Zagreb, he erected a two-storey building in Gradec, as well as a food storage building, which is a part of today’s Observatory. Finally, in an effort to support their activities, he donated numerous estates and money to Paulines in Kri？evci and Jesuits in Vara？din and Zagreb. He also helped the Paulines in Olimje, which led to the establishment of a Pauline monastery in that town. Due to his benefactions, Zakmardi stands out as a supporter of upbringing, education, and culture