1. St. Mark's Church: A Living Piece of Croatia's History
St. Mark's Church is one of the oldest and most storied buildings in all of Zagreb, situated in the heart of the old city. Unlike many Gothic churches, St. Mark's is very colorful, with a roof pattern that adds hues of red, green, and gold to the city skyline. The construction dates back over 700 years, and signs of the original Romanesque facade are still preserved in the updated building today. Incredible stained-glass windows bring color into the nave, and intricate carvings grace the famous south portal. Art and history lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this cultural gem.
2. Zagreb Cathedral: Croatia's Tallest Building
Rarely will you find a cathedral that's also the tallest building in the entire country, but the Zagrebačka Katedrala is one such building. According to many architectural experts, it's the most monumental Gothic church to be found in southeastern Europe. As you wander through the city streets, you'll likely use the spires of this great monument as your compass: they're visible from all around the city. In front of the cathedral you'll find a huge column with the Virgin Mary sculpted in gold on top; after all, the cathedral is dedicated to her assumption. In many ways, this building is the heart of Croatian Catholicism.
3. Museum of Broken Relationships: The Museum of Broken Relationships
This may be one of the most unique museums in the world. Dedicated to breakups and broken relationships, the museum's collection consists of personal possessions left by former lovers, which are accompanied by descriptions. Originally a traveling connection of items, it now has a permanent home, in which it was awarded the Kenneth Hudson prize for Europe's most innovative museum. The museum challenges perceptions of what a museum can be and bears witness to the physical and emotional mark of broken relationships.
4. Mimara Museum: Be Inspired by Croatia's Art
If you're more into traditional museums, the Muzej Mimara is a must. This historic institution is home to Croatia's most esteemed art collection, including works by Bosch, Rubens, Goya, and Claude Lorrain. There are nearly 4,000 pieces in the museum, all taken from the private collection of Wiltrud and Ante Topic Mimara.
5. Maksimir Park: A Space to Escape the Concrete
Maksimir Park is an integral part of Zagreb's cultural heritage. Dating back to before the U.S. Constitution, this beautifully landscaped green space is one of the first in all of Europe. Within the park grounds, you'll find a variety of environments, including large meadows, creeks, lakes, ponds, and forest. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. While the park was once located outside of the city, it's now surrounded by many great streets filled with shops and restaurants. The Zagreb Zoo is situated in the southern corner of the park.
