The lovely city of Zagreb is becoming a more and more popular destination among many avid travelers for many good reasons.
The chief and capital city of Croatia has an exciting selection of sights and attractions for visitors from its wonderful medieval old town to its array of gorgeous Austro-Hungarian buildings that are scattered all over the place.
The place also has a strong café culture. You can grab a cup for your daily dose of caffeine and sit on the terrace as you watch people come and go about their own businesses. It doesn’t matter if you are into nature and history or if you are more interested in culture and art because this city can cater to all visitors, young and old alike.
If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Croatia’s northwestern capital, the following are just some of the places you should definitely check out:
Mirogoj Cemetery is the country’s most important cemetery as this serves as the final resting place of many of the popular former citizens of Croatia. It is where artists, writers, musicians, and politicians lie right next to people of different religious affiliations. The place is filled with stunning monuments, status, and gravestones.
Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb, Croatia
The cemetery itself is such a beautiful place that you will surely enjoy a peaceful time strolling around. Hermann Bollle is the architect behind its design of Mirogoj Cemetery’s main entrance. This is an grand architecture made up of arches, arcades, and dome that signifies that you will be entering a dignified and magnificent place.
Museum of Broken Relationships
Where do broken hearts go? Some probably find their way to the Museum of Broken Relationships. From the name itself, you can easily guess that this is a unique museum in Zagreb devoted to breakups, making it a quirky and fun place worthy to visit. Located in Upper Town, the collection in the museum is like a mishmash of random stuff.
Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb
These items are basically the donations of lovelorn people after an agonizing breakup. The display panels explain the importance of each item and how it defines or symbolizes the broken relationship. The museum’s collections range from sad and tragic to the poignant and even humorous.
The Museum of Broken Relationships may seem a bit bizarre but this is definitely not like any museum you might have visited in the past.
St. Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church rules the square that bears the similar name and lies right in the heart of Upper Town. It is also considered as one of the most famous sights in the city.
In spite of the various important government buildings that line St. Mark’s Square, the church is the first thing that attracts the attention of visitors, thanks to its characteristic roof that makes so amazing to behold.
St. Mark’s Church has an equally lovely interior
Proudly showcasing the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb, the checkered tiles exceptionally stand out against the blue skies above it and the dazzling white building under it.
With its history that dates as far back as 13th century, St. Mark’s Church is one fascinating spot to visit, with architecture drawing from Gothic and Romanesque influences. The church’s southern portal boasts of a Gothic design with several splendid smell effigies on top of it, displaying some amazing craftsmanship.
Aside from the exquisite exterior of the church, which is no doubt its main highlight, it also has an equally lovely interior with several brilliant frescoes that coat the walls. Your visit to the city will never be complete if you don’t spend some time exploring St. Mark’s Church.
Tkalciceva Street
Tkalciceva Street bustles with life as this is a place where tourists and locals alike go to have some great time, making it one of the must-see sights when in the city. With its name taken from a historian from Croatia, this is a winding and long street lined with attractive little balconies and house, making it the best spot to go for a romantic and lovely leisurely walk.
There are lots to do and see in the street with its selection of clubs, restaurants, cafes, and bars. This is where you can get a taste of some of the best local cuisines of the area before you have some fun at any of the bars nearby. There are also numerous venues with live music. As the home to one of the city’s best nightlife, it is easy to see that Tkalciceva Street got something in store for everyone.
Zagreb Cathedral
Established in 1217, there is no denying that Zagreb Cathedral has seen and gone through numerous setbacks and changes over its tumultuous and long history. The Mongols might have razed it shortly after its completion and it may have suffered severe damages following an earthquake but the cathedral remains standing to this day as a grandiose building with an awe-inspiring architecture. With a Neo-Gothic style, the cathedral’s façade sparkles under the sun, with its twin spires dominating the skyline of the city.
When the Ottomans invaded the country, the cathedral served as an observation tower and its fortified walls are still surrounding it at some points. No doubt one of the city’s most gorgeous buildings, the cathedral’s interior is as magnificent with walls adorned with paintings and statues.
The sarcophagus of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac lies close to the main altar that makes it a very holy site dedicated to Assumption of Mary. You will surely come across this cathedral at one point during your trip to the city as this is located close to the main square.
Zrinjevac
Zrinjevac is the popular name of Nikola Subic Zrinski Square located at the heart of Zagreb. This is a wonderful area to get lost in wandering that attracts locals and tourists alike thanks to its impressive buildings, walkways lined with lush trees, and beautiful monuments.
Acting as a square and a park at the same time, its sculpted landscape is an ideal place to visit if you just want to relax in the midst of nature. You can also admire the busts of popular people and lovely fountains. There are many important buildings lining Zrinjevac including the Supreme Court of the country and amazing archaeological museum of the city.
