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Looking for fun things to do in Zagreb, Croatia?
Top 10 List
1. Croatian National Theatre (Hrvatsko Narodno kazalište- HNK)
Croatian National Theatre has had its permanent home here since 1895 in this beautiful neo- gothic building, designed by two well known Austrian architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer (the pair designed about 40 other theatre buildings in Europe). Even locals admire it when they pass by.
2. Croatian State Archives (Hrvatski državni arhiv)
Secession was in Croatia (Germany, Austria) what Art Nouveau was in France. This is one of the most impressive Secessionist buildings in the country built in 1913 (designed by a local architect Rudolf Lubynski) in a combination of early Viennese Secessionism and modern European architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. Check the top of the building where four owls are placed to guard the knowledge. The building is a home to Croatian State Archives where a guided tour of its impressive interior is possible every week day 12.00-14.00h. Tickets: 20KN (10KN-discount).
3. Gradec
Gradec is one of the two medieval settlements that the city of Zagreb grew from. While Kaptol was (still is) churchly, Gradec was and is a political heart of Zagreb (and Croatia). A small part of its fortification walls are still in existence and the two most attractive ways to enter are by a funicular (operating since 1892, thus being among the longest operating ones in Europe) from Ilica or by Kamenita vrata (Stone gate; this archway was one of the four original entries into this walled town of the feudal period; today you’ll find ladies still praying and candles glowing there as legend says that when much of the town was burned down in 1731 a vision of the Virgin Mary could be seen in the burnt ash that remained in this entry; the gate was reconstructed in 1760 and hasn’t been touched since.) in Radiceva. Whichever way you enter the most important sights are easily found.
4. HDLU – Dom hrvatskih likovnih umjetnika
This remarkable rotunda was designed by Ivan Meštrovic, internationally renown Croatian sculptor, in 1938 and it was the first circular museum building in the world. Its uses changed very frequently, and the name Džamija stuck with the locals from the time when the building was an actual mosque (1941- 1945; the three minarets added to the building in 1941 were pulled down in 1949). Today it is actually a home of the Croatian Association of Artists.
5. Kaptol
Kaptol is one of the two mediaval settlements that the city of Zagreb grew from. It is dominated by an impressive neo-gothic building – the Cathedral (Katedrala Marijinog Uznesenja), and Dolac market, a buzzing open food market known as “the belly of Zagreb”. Tkalciceva ulica (Tkalciceva street) is a long pedestrian street where a number of cafés and bars offer a great place to sit, sip your drink and generally revel in Croatian favourite pastime “activities”- drinking coffee, people-watching and gossiping.
6. Kula Lotršcak (Lotršcak Tower)
Once a defence tower from which the last bell rang before the city gates closed (to keep the burglars and unwanted out, hence the name) and offers a great belvedere nowadays, if one survives climbing the steep winding steps up to the top. There is no bell nowadays, but a cannon which has marked noon every day for over a hundred years. Locals still set their watches by it. Today, there is also a Gallery which hosts different exhibitions and belongs to a nearby Klovicevi Dvori Gallery(Belvedere: Open: May- Oct, Tue-Sun: 11.00-20.00;10KN).
7. St. Catherine’s Church (Crkva Sv. Katarine)
St. Catherine’s Church is a charming Baroque church built in the 16th century. Its white and pink stucco interior makes this a favourite place for a dream wedding. If you wish to get married here- you have to book the date at least a year ahead.
8. The Cathedral (of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Katedrala Marijinog Uznesenja) locals always refer to simply as The Cathedral. It is a wonder of Neo- Gothic architecture with two pointed towers springing from the sides (the word is that the towers are not the same height, although most often it is said that both are 105m tall). The Cathedral has been constructed, destroyed, reconstructed, demolished and rebuilt since the 13th century. The last reconstruction was done in the 19th century, after the great earthquake. Even now it seems to be in permanent state of exterior renovations as the effects of time have to be constantly thwarted. Do check the chandeliers- the word is that they were a donation from a Las Vegas hotel/casino. Yeah, canons deny knowing this.
9. Trg Sv. Marka (St. Mark’s Square)
St. Mark’s Square is dominated by St. Mark’s Church (Crkva Sv. Marka) with the ceramic tiled roof depicting Zagreb and the Kingdom of Croatia coats of arms (the roof is a well- recognised symbol of the city). The renovation of St. Mark’s Church was completed only recently after 25 years of work. Sabor (national parliament), Prime minister’s and government offices make the square a symbolic heart of Croatia.
10. Trg bana Josipa Jelacica
Trg bana Josipa Jelacica (Governor Jelacic Square), or simply The Square, is the main square in Zagreb and it marks the centre of the city. So, wherever your sightseeing takes you, the main starting point is usually The Square. The Square is marked by the equestrian statue of Governor J. Jelacic and many people, visitors and young locals, will take a seat at the bottom of it. It’s an easy-to- find meeting point if you want to arrange a meeting with your fellow travellers or local friends. The Square has been a focal point of the city since the 1950s and is surrounded by some stunning 18th and 19th century buildings. Throwing a coin into Manduševac fountain, on the west side of The Square, and making a wish is a local custom.
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