Trotting through Zagreb like a king

As far as historical documents are concerned, the city didn't exist at the time. That doesn't mean there weren't any traces of life. There are several curious archaeological findings from before the city was founded, including Roman remains, Celtic pottery, traces of ancient Croatian culture, and even the remnants of the prehistoric residents, such as a woolly mammoth or even a whale!

On the other hand, Zagreb is a good place to meet the king - if you come to the city by train, you will immediately get a warm welcome from King Tomislav himself. The horseman monument can't go unnoticed. Look at the information on the footstall: the year 925 in Roman numerals, and only two words: kralj (king) Tomislav. He looks very comfortable and persuasive on that horse. Makes me imagine we're right behind him, trotting through Zagreb like the king's chaperons. 

King Tomislav Square in Zagreb. Photo by M. Gašparović / Zagreb Tourist Board

While King Tomislav Square is one of the must-see locations of Zagreb, there is a more hidden and imaginative monument to the medieval kingdom. You will find it in the Park Maksimir. There is a small artificial hill known as Mogila. Mogila is a Slavic word that could be translated as tumulus. It's a mound artificially raised over graves or overall raised to honour something. A curious fact about the mogila of Maksimir: the hill was built out of soil from different parts of Croatia to mark 1000 years of the Croatian kingdom. Rumour has it that it is somewhat of a time capsule, too. It supposedly hides some mysterious artefacts in its womb. 

Croatia is not a kingdom anymore, and even when it was, the kings and queens often ruled from outside present-day Croatia. That is precisely why the year 925 is very important—it proves the tradition of a Croatian state with a Croatian king. This little piece of information has come in handy on many occasions throughout history when other nations had their eyes on Croatian territory.

As you can see, you can enjoy some monuments that honour King Tomislav in Zagreb, even if Zagreb didn't exist as such in his days. The city is "only” in its 930s. In fact, the city has undergone so many changes throughout time that it's hard to imagine it as a medieval town. Yet, if you grab any tour guidebook or a list of things to do in Zagreb, a visit to the medieval Upper Town will be recommended. The most outstanding monuments of medieval times are the three towers at the entrances to the Upper Town and the only remaining gate – the Stone Gate. 

The emblem of Zagreb on the iconic rooftop of St Mark's Church. Photo by Boška i Krešo / Zagreb Tourist Board 

The space above the Stone Gate is where an interesting association meets. The Brethren of Croatian Dragon, founded at the beginning of the 20th century, played a significant role in preserving Croatian heritage. In its early days, they started some of the most important institutions for safeguarding heritage, such as the city museum and the city library; they took part in creating the national archives and so much more. Guess who started the construction of the symbolic mogila hill? It was the Dragons, indeed. They are also dedicated to organising many events to mark this year's anniversary of King Tomislav. Isn't it curious how those plans are being made in an old medieval tower by a society of such a medieval-sounding name? That's Croatia, a land with more than 1100 years of curiosities to discover.  

The small square in front of the Stone Gate is named after the Brethren of Croatian Dragon. Photo by G. Vranić / Zagreb Tourist Board

Header image credit: Boška i Krešo / Zagreb Tourist Board

Author: Iva Silla