Pilgrimage in Marija Bistrica became a richer experience in the 20th century with the construction of the monumental ‘Kalvarije’. By visiting these stations of the cross, pilgrims have received an adequate place to reflect and pray.
The start of construction of the ‘Kalvarije’ was during World War II. This project, as envisioned by the archbishop dr. Alojz Stepinac, is undoubtedly one of the most significant projects of the time.
                              
The restoration activities were led by the Bistrica parish priest, with the enthusiastic support of the Zagreb archbishop’s offices. A separate institution called “Naša draga svetišta” (Our dear holy sites) was established to help with the construction of the Kalvarije, which was too large a project for the local priest alone. This institution was established by the archbishop Stepinac with the explicit task of making holy sites throughout Croatia look their best, especially Marija Bistrica since ‘… of all Marian pilgrimage sites, Croatian faithful adore it most’. By collecting donations the institution accumulated resources, while the design of the Kalvarije and the work on the Stations of the Cross were left to a separate Arts committee for equipping the holy site. The committee was made up of a representatives of the church, headed by msgr. Pavle Jesih, and esteemed experts: the skuptor Ivan Kerdić, the painter Krste Hegedušić, the head of the Conservation Institute dr. Ivan Bach, the architect Aleksandar Freudenreich and others. This committee was very active during the war and immediately following.
                              
In this period, which can be considered the first phase of the establishment of the Kalvarije, the planning was completed according to the original concept ‘Crucifixion in the open ’ or rather ‘… on the hill’. In 1941, only the first four Stations were constructed: I. Pilate’s condemnation of Jesus; II. Jesus accepting the Cross; III. Jesus’ first fall; IV. Jesus’ meeting with his Mother. The sculptures, on large pedestals, are carved of marble and from a distance look like real scenes.
                              
During the seventies and eighties, the work on the Kalvarije was continued. Restoration of the old stations (1989) and erection of the other eleven (1977-1990) required 13 years. The activities were carried out under the auspices of the Archbishop’s board and the Bistrica parish, while the artistic direction was the concern of dr. Antun Ivandija. In the mid-80’s (1984) the fountain with the statue of Mary was erected in the middle of the field from which one begins the uphill trek ‘Via Crucis’. As with every active spring, the symbol of life and faith, the fountain soon became a favourite meeting point for pilgrims.
                             
A significant common element of the sculptures of the Kalvarije and the fountain in this the second phase of construction is the fact that all carry the author’s signature. As a whole, the monumental sculptural complex Kalvarije is a work of collective authors which has no comparison in Croatia. The authors are group amongst whom some names are part of the anthology of modern Croatian sculpture: Ante Orlić, Marija Ujević, Stanko Jančić, Krunoslav Bošnjak, Ante Starčević and Josip Poljan.