Cathedral of Zagreb — Attraction in City of Zagreb

This is a neo-gothic cathedral built at the end of the 19th century, after the previous sacral object on the site was severely damaged in a devastating earthquake. The conspiracy theorists keep claiming that the Pyramids of Ancient Egypt must have been built by the Extraterrestrials, given how the modern construction technology cannot replicate those structures in a timely fashion. By that reasoning the same could be said about the Cathedral of Zagreb, which took 16 years to build, but over three decades to renovate, with no end in sight. For the longest time the scaffolding just kept alternating between the two spires and one assumed that they'd already given up on an actual completion.

Then another earthquake struck Zagreb in the spring of 2020 - sadly, with loss of life. The devastation was city wide, but the Cathedral was one of the buildings that had been hit the most visibly. The tip of the southern spire broke off and 50 tons of first-class limestone from Brač smashed through the adjacent Archbishop's Quarters. The Archbishop survived unscathed, but his disappearance from the public eye for two whole weeks, when his flock needed him the most, meant that he knew someone was sending him a message. There was also much damage to the interior of the Cathedral. Needless to say, the work went straight back to square one. The existing scaffolding had to be replaced by a new one, which turned out to be such a refreshment to the long-established visage, that a local petition entered the circulation, demanding that the scaffolding stays on for good. Since the entire edifice is now wrapped in it all at once, it really looks like it's of an alien origin.

Aliens or not, the idea to put a lavish neo-gothic building in a city that has no tradition of gothic architecture whatsoever was definitely a bit outlandish. But, by God, we needed to erase the feel of a province by any means available, didn't we? Anyways, if you're coming as a tourist, it's not to be missed. The interior used to look just as spectacular as the exterior before the quake. Right now, no one is allowed in to see it, and we can only speculate whether the ongoing restoration will do it justice.

If you intended to, perhaps, use it as a place of worship - I wouldn't recommend it, not even after it reopens. For sincere people there are more intimate places around town to reconnect to the Divine Power. The Cathedral is reserved for the sort of worshippers that need to be seen by others doing it. You know who they are. No doubt, we will one day see them gather inside again, coming in prime time, surrounded by television crews, receiving their absolutions from the guy in gold and silk, who is deep down just like them. Let them do that, I don't mind. My only wish is that the Divine Power gets the timing right for the next earthquake it...

The Cathedral of Zagreb, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a key religious landmark in the city, has a rich history and has faced various challenges over time, including recent renovations following damage from an earthquake.

Historical Background

The Cathedral of Zagreb, often referred to as the “Stepinac Cathedral,” was originally dedicated to St. Stephen King but was later known for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa). Its transformation into a cathedral coincided with the elevation of the Zagreb Diocese to an archdiocese by Pope Pius IX in 1852. The building has undergone several restorations and modifications throughout its history, adapting and preserving its architectural and historical integrity .

Challenges in Renovation

Following the 2020 earthquake, the Cathedral of Zagreb has faced significant renovation challenges. One of the main issues has been sourcing the appropriate types of stone for restoration. The original construction and subsequent renovations utilized various types of stone, including local limestone, sandstone, and imported Italian travertine. However, restrictions and public perception issues at the original quarry sites have made it difficult to obtain the same types of stone for current restoration efforts. These challenges are part of a larger conversation about preserving cultural memory and heritage in the face of modern constraints .

Current Status

As of the latest updates, the Cathedral of Zagreb was temporarily closed for renovation and repair work. This closure was necessary to ensure the structural integrity and preservation of the Cathedral, especially following the earthquake damage. The ongoing efforts are part of a broader initiative to restore and maintain significant historical and religious buildings in Zagreb and the surrounding regions.

Visitor Experience

Unfortunately, visitors to Zagreb during this period, including January 2024, were unable to enter the Cathedral due to these renovations. Despite this, the Cathedral remains a visually impressive structure and a symbol of Zagreb’s historical and cultural identity. Its towering spires and intricate Gothic details continue to dominate the city’s skyline, offering a glimpse into the past and a promise of future accessibility once the restoration is complete.

Overall Impression

The Cathedral of Zagreb is a testament to the city’s rich history and its commitment to preserving its...

The Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol is a Roman Catholic institution and not only the tallest building in Croatia, but also the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps. 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 (354 ft) 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.

The cathedral is depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 1000 kuna banknote issued in 1993.

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...