Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb, Croatia

The Zagreb Cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. The cathedral is typically Gothic, as is its sacristy, which is of great architectural value. Its prominent spires are considered to be landmarks as they are visible from most parts of the city.

In 1093 when King Ladislaus (1040-1095) moved the bishop's chair from Sisak to Zagreb, he proclaimed the existing church as a cathedral. Construction on the cathedral started shortly after his death and was finished in 1217 and consecrated by king Andrew II of Hungary. The building was destroyed by the Mongols in 1242 but rebuilt by bishop Timotej (1263-1287) a few years later. At the end of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded Croatia, triggering the construction of fortification walls around the cathedral, some of which are still intact. In the 17th century, a fortified renaissance watchtower was erected on the south side, and was used as a military observation point, because of the Ottoman threat.

The cathedral was severely damaged in the 1880 Zagreb earthquake. The main nave collapsed and the tower was damaged beyond repair. The restoration of the cathedral in the Neo-Gothic style was led by Hermann Bollé, bringing the cathedral to its present form. As part of that restoration, two spires 108 m high were raised on the western side, both of which are now in the process of being restored as part of an extensive general restoration of the cathedral.

When facing the portal, the building is 46 meters wide and 108 meters high. The cathedral contains a relief of Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac with Christ done by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The cathedral was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on 5 June 2011 where he celebrated Sunday Vespers and prayed before the tomb of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in Croatia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hasan Aktan (9 months ago)
Amazing and huge but if you live in europe you can see some same building. And now being restored :( you can't enter inside.
berke ayrancioglu (11 months ago)
Unfortunately it was under restroration, so I couldn't enter. Even only from the outside, the cathedral looks mighty. Its location is very close to the center, I would suggest visiting the cathedral even if it is closed.
Kitty Luo (12 months ago)
When we went there it was under construction so we did not get inside. However, it is very beautiful outside. The details of the architecture are amazing. Hope to come back when the maintenance is done. The roundabout outside has a beautiful view of the town. It is just two minutes walk from the open market and you would not miss it.
Nicole Wang (12 months ago)
very interesting to walk around in this square and learn the amazing layout of this township!
Mustafa Arikan (13 months ago)
I have been here many times and each time I was here there is some sort of construction. It is still going on. Visually it is very impressive. I wish they finish the construction soon.
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