Banski Dvori (Presidential Palace), Zagreb

Banski Dvori (Presidential Palace), Zagreb

Presidential Palace is a historic structure situated on the western side of Saint Mark's Square in Zagreb. It has played several important roles throughout its history. Initially, it served as the official residence for the Croatian Bans (viceroys), but today it serves as the residence of the Croatian Government.

The Presidential Palace is a two-story baroque building that was constructed by Ignaz Gyulai in the first half of the 19th century. It served as the residence for Croatian bans from 1809 to 1918, which is why it acquired the name "Banski Dvori," meaning "Ban's Court." During this period, it also housed the Tabula Banalis and later the Royal Court Table. Notably, Ban Josip Jelačić, after whom Ban Jelačić Square is named, resided in Ban's Court.

During World War II and the period known as the Independent State of Croatia (1941–1945), it served as the office for Poglavnik Ante Pavelić and was referred to as Poglavnik's Court. From 1945 to 1991, during the existence of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFR Yugoslavia), Ban's Court was the official residence for the Presidency of the Socialist Republic of Croatia.

In May 1990, it became the official residence for the President and the Government of Croatia. An important historical event occurred on October 7, 1991, when the Yugoslav People's Army carried out an airstrike targeting President Franjo Tuđman, President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia Stipe Mesić, and President of the Federal Executive Council of Yugoslavia Ante Marković. Fortunately, all of them survived the attack. The following day, the Croatian Parliament declared Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia. In 1992, the President's residence was moved to the Presidential Palace, marking an important chapter in the building's history.

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Banski Dvori (Presidential Palace) on Map

Sight Name: Banski Dvori (Presidential Palace)
Sight Location: Zagreb, Croatia (See walking tours in Zagreb)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Zagreb, Croatia

Create Your Own Walk in Zagreb

Create Your Own Walk in Zagreb

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Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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