More and more often, I find myself writing about cemeteries as tourist attractions and, at first, I was a little disturbed by this. However, upon consideration, I've come to reexamine these spaces. There is, of course, something morbid about visiting them but it is also understandable. As the final resting place of endless loved ones, many cemeteries are lovely and peaceful places filled with architectural wonders, incredible sculptures and beautifully planted gardens. Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb is a good example of this. It really is a rather stunning architectural gem so if you have found a vacation rental in Zagreb, be sure to to drop by and wander this peaceful and beautiful space.
Mirogoj is the main cemetery of the city and is located just outside the city centre. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and was established in the 19th century. Built on the grounds of what was originally the summer house and gardens of Illyrian leader Ljudevit Gaj, the cemetery was built after he died in 1872 and opened in 1876.
Mirogoj is the main cemetery of the city and is located just outside the city centre. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and was established in the 19th century. Built on the grounds of what was originally the summer house and gardens of Illyrian leader Ljudevit Gaj, the cemetery was built after he died in 1872 and opened in 1876.
From 1879, the Austrian architect Hermann Bollé came on board to perfect and enhance the space and worked on adding the iconic northern and southern arcades, as well as domes and pavilions and the morgue, which came later on.
Sculptures by local artists like Ivan Mestrovic, Antun Augustincic, Dusan Damonja and Edo Murtic that have been built on the graves over the years, meanwhile, make the whole space feel like an outdoor gallery. The tree-lined paths and beautifully landscaped grounds only add further to the incredible beauty of the space with grand chestnut trees, lime trees, maple-trees and spruces among those that populate the cemetery.
Famous politicians, writers, poets and composers from Croatia are interred here and it is a trendy – if you could apply that word in this scenario – to be buried at Mirogoj so those figures might draw certain fans of Croatian historical figures or culture. However, even without knowing anyone, one has reason enough to visit this rather extraordinary space!
Sculptures by local artists like Ivan Mestrovic, Antun Augustincic, Dusan Damonja and Edo Murtic that have been built on the graves over the years, meanwhile, make the whole space feel like an outdoor gallery. The tree-lined paths and beautifully landscaped grounds only add further to the incredible beauty of the space with grand chestnut trees, lime trees, maple-trees and spruces among those that populate the cemetery.
Famous politicians, writers, poets and composers from Croatia are interred here and it is a trendy – if you could apply that word in this scenario – to be buried at Mirogoj so those figures might draw certain fans of Croatian historical figures or culture. However, even without knowing anyone, one has reason enough to visit this rather extraordinary space!
Address: Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, 10000, Zagreb
Opening hours:
Between 1st April and 30 September from 6 am to 8 pm.
Between 1st October and 31st March from 7.30 am to 6 pm.
Price: Free
Opening hours:
Between 1st April and 30 September from 6 am to 8 pm.
Between 1st October and 31st March from 7.30 am to 6 pm.
Price: Free
Photo credits
picture 1: Miroslav Vajdic / CC BY-SA 2.0
picture 1: Miroslav Vajdic / CC BY-SA 2.0