St. Mark’s Church – Zagreb’s cultural property

St. Mark’s Church, located in the heart of an upper old town neighborhood in Zagreb, is a pure architectural gem that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and religious and cultural heritage. Today, this beautiful church is one of the most recognizable monuments in Zagreb.

According to the records, it was built somewhere in the 13th century on the occasion of St. Mark’s holiday. The church is now considered one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb that survived for this long. Back in the day, the square surrounding the church was used to hold fairs and for the trade of goods.

St. Mark’s Church, Photo: Adria.fun

St. Mark’s recognizable roof

Saint Mark’s Church has a captivating history that weaves together centuries of renovations, disasters, and artistic additions. Its iconic roof,  widely recognized today, was not part of the original structure. In 1841, the church went under a major renovation led by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt. Following destructive fires and earthquakes that ravaged this part of the city, Schmidt’s associate Hermann Bollé took charge of the restoration efforts. It was during this time that the church’s distinct roof came to life.

The newly added roof now is a visual feast for the eyes, proudly displaying the coats of arms representing the three kingdoms: Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia on the left side and the coat of arms of Zagreb on the right side.

Additonal renovations

In the 1920s, another chapter unfolded for Saint Mark’s Church. A restoration initiative was undertaken. During this period, the renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović left his mark by adding sculptures. that adorned the church.

Years rolled by, and it was once again decided that the time had come for another round of restoration. This ambitious undertaking spanned a staggering 25 years, signifying the dedication  invested in preserving the church’s historical significance. Finally, in 2006, the long-awaited renovation project drew to a close, leaving Saint Mark’s Church in its most attractive state yet.

Take a look at this great video in order to see how the church looks from the inside.

Gas street lamps

Despite being replicas, the gas lamps that adorn the streets still come to life each evening. And what’s even more fascinating is that these lamps are not controlled by automated systems or modern technology but by the hands of two very dedicated individuals.

There are approximately 240 of these charming gas lamps, and this routine takes about 2.5 hours to complete. This tradition holds a very special place in the hearts of the locals and it is being kept alive up to this day.

St. Mark’s Church, Photo: Adria.fun

If you are walking around in the evening, look for two men in grey uniforms holding white sticks, maybe, if you’re fortunate enough, you could be granted the rare opportunity to participate in this honored tradition.