Zagreb has many religious buildings well known, not only in Croatia, but further afield. Many of them are important architectural monuments. Almost all of them have been restored after being damaged by natural calamities, with their beauty and style carefully preserved. Take this tour to discover the most beautiful churches in Zagreb.
1) St. Mark's Church
St. Mark's Church is a parish church in old Zagreb. The Romanesque window on its south facade, much as the semicircular ground-plan of St. Mary's chapel, suggest that the church must have been built as early as the 13th century. In the second half of the 14th century it was radically reconstructed and turned into a late Gothic-style church of the three-nave type. The Gothic composition of the portal consists of fifteen effigies placed in eleven shallow niches. On top are the statues of Joseph and Mary with the infant Jesus, and below them one can see St. Mark and the Lion; the Twelve Apostles are placed on both sides of the portal (four wooden statues replaced the original ones which had been destroyed). In its artistic composition and the number of statues, this portal is the richest and the most valuable Gothic portal in South Eastern Europe.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and espinr
2) Kamenita Vrata
Kamenita Vrata, or the Stone Gate, is a medieval-style tower that was built in the 18th century. It is one of the four gates to the old Gradec. The tower is also called the Chapel of the Mother of God of the Stone Gate. There is a picture of Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus that has miraculously survived a devastating fire. Many candles have been lit there throughout years by those who have come and prayed for their relatives.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Ex13
3) St Catherine's Church
The Church of St Catherine is the first Baroque church in Zagreb, located in the square of the same name. Inside the church there are some Baroque-style sculptures and paintings. The building has sustained damage throughout centuries, caused primarily by earthquakes; its exterior has largely remained intact, though. Near the church is located a gymnasium and a monastery that has now been transformed into a museum.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Suradnik13
4) St. Mary's Church
The Church of St. Mary was built in the 16th century on the site of a 13th century church of the same name. In the 18th century it expanded and obtained a Gothic appearance. Its altar and frescoes have been painted by Slovenian artists.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Oliver-Bonjoch
5) Zagreb Cathedral
Zagreb Cathedral is the most important and famous religious edifice in the city. Its construction was started in the 11th century, but was not finished because of wars and other reasons. Its present neo-Gothic facade appeared in the 18th century. Wood was largely used in the cathedral's construction and the scent of old wood is felt inside even today. Part of the interior are the stained-glass windows depicting biblical events. Also, there are a Baroque altar and several paintings and sculptures featuring the Assumption of Virgin Mary.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and lostajy
6) St Francis Assisi's Church
The Church of St Francis Assisi or Crkva Sv. Franje Asiškog dates back to the 13th century. It is considered to be one of the best Franciscan buildings in Central Europe. Being dedicated to St. Francis, the church has the altar and many paintings and sculptures inside featuring the saint. Following a renovation after a powerful earthquake, the church has got a Neo-Gothic interior.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and monroet21