Saint Mark’s Church — Attraction in City of Zagreb

Review of the Church of St. Mark in Zagreb

Location: Zagreb, Croatia

The Church of St. Mark in Zagreb is a breathtaking architectural gem, renowned for its cultural and historical significance. This church, situated in the heart of Zagreb’s Upper Town, is a testament to the city’s rich past and vibrant present.

Architectural and Historical Significance

Built in the 14th century as a parish church, St. Mark’s Church has undergone numerous transformations and restorations throughout its history. It’s most famous for its colorful tiled roof, featuring the coats of arms of Zagreb, Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia. This roof is not only a symbol of the church but of Zagreb itself.

The southern portal of the church, a relic from the transition from the 14th to the 15th century, is an exquisite example of Gothic architecture. The church has endured various historical events, including earthquakes and fires, with significant restorations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Recent Renovation

Recently, the Church of St. Mark underwent a comprehensive renovation, which lasted more than three years and cost over six million euros. This renovation was crucial, particularly after the significant damage caused by the Zagreb earthquake in 2020. The church’s interior, including its vaulted ceiling and frescoes, was meticulously restored, preserving its historical essence while ensuring its structural integrity .

Accessibility and Current Status

Unfortunately, due to security measures following a terrorist attack near the government buildings in 2021, access to the church has been restricted. These measures, while necessary for safety, have temporarily limited public access to this magnificent church. The Croatian government is working on solutions to allow visitors and worshippers to enter the church safely while maintaining the required security for nearby government buildings .

Incorporating into a Zagreb Itinerary

When visiting Zagreb, a stroll around the Upper Town is a must, and the Church of St. Mark, despite the current access limitations, remains a key landmark. You can admire the church’s exterior and its iconic roof from the St. Mark’s Square. The square itself is a hub of political and cultural activity, flanked by the Croatian Parliament and other historical buildings.

Overall Impression

The Church of St. Mark is more than just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of Zagreb’s historical resilience and artistic richness. Its recent restoration underscores the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. While access to the interior may be limited, the church’s exterior alone is a sight to behold and a reminder of Zagreb’s...

S sense strane te gothic real old concatedral or Gradec main Church,after renesance,we got a Jezuit style and St.Cathryn epochal Baroque style ,and interesting story about free open mainded aJesuits in problems with canonics who as Prebendar order are responsible for State Church of Constitutional fundamental rights, laws,acts, -its obvious that masons that worked on war not only Italians,Venezia then England because of still wallrelic with England lion like in Chelsea team ,and others are symbol of power of Medici family,Veneto region...great masons of Old Iseland from Dover to north Scotia Minor *Ireland,Scotland ". Jesuits camped in Gradec on JESUITS SQUARE,and made deal with O.P.Order of st.Dominic,to restore monastery, and chappelle's new look they turned in superacustical st.Catherine Baroque style, and on the place left from LOTRSCAK KULA,they build Gimnasia Classic, by protection of Pope and Wienna,main catholic university have roots in Jesuits Academia for Theology,Philosophy,Law. the canonics from Captol even fight organized with Jesuits.They are also founded all Austrian Universities Graz,Wienna,Klagenfurt, Linz,spec.center is on border with Swiss, Innsbruck,Munchen Philosophie Schulle,today with Francis Order,and Dominican o.they are roots of knowledge from Italy to Andrew's college Glasgow university...other goes to LOYOLA NET OF UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES. They made Zagreb in gentelmans, so Old Vlastela were for Captol. Zagreb has had been United after war between Gradec(Jesuits) worker class,poor and noschool crowd protector and many of canonics,because political groups were dead with red party on place...

The Romanesque window found in its south facade is the best evidence that the church must have been built as early as the 13th century as is also the semicircular ground-plan of St. Mary's chapel (later altered). In the second half of the 14th century, the church was radically reconstructed.[2] It was then turned into a late Gothic church of the three-nave type. Massive round columns support heavy ribbed vaults cut in stone and an air of peace and sublimity characterizes the church interior in its simplicity. The most valuable part of St. Mark's Church is its south portal, considered to be the work of sculptors of the Parler family from Prague (end of the 14th century). 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 southern Central Europe. Outside, on the northwest wall of the church lies the oldest coat of arms of Zagreb with the year 1499 engraved in it (the original is kept in the Zagreb...