St. Mark's Basilica

Zagreb, Croatia's capital city at the foothills of Medvednica Mountain, is a Central European blend of old and new. We begin our exploration of Zagreb at its Upper Town, a maze of cobbled streets lined with medieval wonders like St. Mark's Church with its colorful roof. Grand Austro-Hungarian architecture graces the Lower Town, boasting the elegant National Theatre. Vibrant street art pops against historic buildings, reflecting a thriving cultural scene. The Cathedral of Zagreb soars over the skyline with its neo-Gothic twin towers. Zagreb's modern charm shines through its bustling cafes and lively squares, offering a taste of contemporary Croatia alongside its rich history.

The drive from Budapest, Hungary to Zagreb, Croatia is a breeze. We cruise along the M7/E71 highway crossing the scenic Lake Balaton.

Hungary Croatia Land Border Crossing: E71 / M7 Highway from Budapest to Zagreb

The roughly 350 kilometers journey punctuated by a smooth border crossing is bereft of anything to slow us down.

We drive into Zagreb and park on Kamenita St. just off St. Mark's Square.

Ilica st.

Opatička ul.

St. Mark's Square is a short walk from Kamenita St (map).

Kamenita ul.

Standing sentinel over St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica (Crkva sv. Marko) is a captivating blend of history and architectural styles. Its origins date back to the 13th century, with evidence of Romanesque influences in its facade.

St. Mark's Church

Over time, Zagreb's St. Mark's Church gracefully transitioned into a late Gothic church, boasting a magnificent 14th-century portal adorned with fifteen figures.

St. Mark's Square and Church (panorama)

But the true eye-catcher is the vibrantly tiled roof, a 19th-century addition showcasing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.

St. Mark's Square

From St. Mark's Basilica, we walk to Zagreb's Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) which whispers tales of times past. Built between 1242 and 1266, the Stone Gate of Zagreb was once a vital entry point to the medieval city.

Stone Gate

Today, it stands as the sole survivor of the original gates. Its present look, however, reflects an 18th-century makeover. Step through the passage and you'll find yourself in a haven dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Stone Gate, Zagreb's beloved patron saint. A gilded icon, believed to have survived a fire unscathed, watches over visitors. The shrine's atmosphere is rich with devotion, its walls adorned with marble prayers and flickering candlelight casting a warm glow. The Stone Gate is also a great place to pick up souvenirs.

Souvenir shopping at Stone Gate

We return to our car and drive to the parking lot across the Cathedral of Zagreb (Zagrebačka katedrala). The story of the Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin begins in 11th century with a Romanesque structure, but fire and a Mongol invasion forced a reconstruction in the Gothic style during the 13th and 14th centuries. This era gifted the cathedral its soaring spires and ribbed vaults, hallmarks of Gothic grandeur. The Cathedral of Zagreb is located at Kaptol 31, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.

Zagreb Cathedral (panorama)

The 19th century brought another twist to the history of Zagreb Cathedral. A devastating earthquake necessitated a major restoration and renowned architect Hermann Bollé embraced the Neo-Gothic movement. This resulted in the cathedral's present-day appearance, a mesmerizing blend of Gothic grace and Neo-Gothic ornamentation.

Zagreb Cathedral

The true beauty unfolds within Zagreb Cathedral, where stained glass windows cast colorful light and ornate altars inspire awe. Despite its architectural journey, the Cathedral of Zagreb remains a powerful symbol of faith and a captivating landmark, standing tall over the city it has watched transform for centuries.

Zagreb Cathedral

The interior of Zagreb Cathedral is a stunning display of Neo-Gothic architecture with rich details. The high ceilings and large open area can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The architectural style is prominent throughout with pointed arches, ribbed vaults and stained glass windows filtering colorful light. Gold accents add to the overall opulence of the interior.

Large, ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding light and a touch of drama. Interestingly, some say they originated from a Las Vegas casino!.

Zagreb Cathedral

Neo-Gothic marble altars are a focal point, adding a touch of grandeur to the space. We look up to admire the beautiful stained glass windows depicting religious scenes and figures. The pulpit itself is considered a work of art, designed to capture attention during sermons.

Interior of Zagreb Cathedral (panorama)

The final resting place of Archbishop Aloysius Stepinac is marked by a tomb designed by a renowned Croatian sculptor.

Zagreb Cathedral entrance doors

The Zagreb Cathedral is the second tallest building in Croatia. It also holds the distinction of being the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps.

We return to our car and bid adieu to Zagreb for now. Our next destination is the Nikola Tesla Birthplace Museum which is about 206 kilometers away. It will take us around 2 hours and 15 on the E65 / E71 / A1 motorway.

Croatia E65 / A1 Motorway from Zagreb towards Split / Dubrovnik

Note: Prose in this post received AI assistance from ChatGPT and Gemini.