Marija Bistrica is located 20 km from the Croatian capital, in the historical region called the Croatian Zagorje. Marija Bistrica is known primarily as the largest pilgrimage center in Croatia, which is annually visited by hundreds of thousands of people.

For the first time Marija Bistrica is mentioned in documents dated 1209-m year. In 1334, the year recorded the first data about the Church of STS. Peter and Paul. According to legend, during the threat of invasion, the local priest hid in 1545 statue depicting the virgin Mary with the infant. In 1588, the statue found due to the bright glow that emanated from her. After this incredible event, the statue began to consider the miraculous, and Mary Bystrica started coming pilgrims.

In 1710, the Croatian Parliament adopted a decision to allocate funds for the construction of a new altar in the Church, which was built in five years. In 1731 the Church was expanded and was renamed in honor of the virgin Mary, therefore, changed the name of the locality. In 1750 Marija Bistrica by the decision of Pope Benedict XVI was included in the list of shrines of the virgin.

From 1879 to 1882, was built a new Church building in neo-Renaissance style. The restoration project was designed by the architect Herman Bolle. The temple was surrounded by arcades, and in 1883 he acquired a modern look. In 1923 Pope Pius XI Bistrica sanctuary was given the status of "Minor Basilica", and later, in 1935, the image was crowned by the Archbishop of Zagreb. In 1971, the day on 13 July was proclaimed national holiday of the Mother of God Bystritskoy.

An important event of modern history is to visit Marija Bistrica Pope John Paul II in 1998. October 3, them ceremony was held on the reckoning of Archbishop Aloysius of Stepinac blessed.