St. Mark's Church
A 13th-century Catholic church in Zagreb, famed for its vibrant, tiled roof displaying Croatia's and Zagreb's coats of arms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for roof photos
St. Mark's Church
Best Time
Best light for roof photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century Catholic church in Zagreb, famed for its vibrant, tiled roof displaying Croatia's and Zagreb's coats of arms.
"The church's colorful tiled roof is its most striking feature, a true symbol of national pride."
📸 Roof is the Star
The church's tiled roof is its most photogenic feature. Capture it from different angles!
🚧 Check for Closures
It's often under renovation. Confirm access before you go to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Tiled Roof
A vibrant mosaic of glazed ceramic tiles forming the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. A true symbol of national pride.
Gothic Portal
Admire the intricate details of the church's impressive Gothic entrance, a testament to its medieval origins.
St. Mark's Square
The historic square surrounding the church, home to Croatia's Parliament, offers a glimpse into the city's political and historical heart.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Renovation Status
Admire the Iconic Roof
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Which option should I go for St. Mark's Basilica
📸 Roof is the Star
The church's tiled roof is its most photogenic feature. Capture it from different angles!
🚧 Check for Closures
It's often under renovation. Confirm access before you go to avoid disappointment.
St Marks Basilica
Pro Tips to get St Mark’s Tickets day of?
📍 Location, Location!
Nestled in the historic Upper Town, it's a key stop on any Zagreb walking tour.
🏛️ Parliament Next Door
See the Croatian Parliament building adjacent to the church for a dose of history.
Visiting St. Mark's in Venice question
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Roof is the Star
The church's tiled roof is its most photogenic feature. Capture it from different angles!
🚧 Check for Closures
It's often under renovation. Confirm access before you go to avoid disappointment.
📍 Location, Location!
Nestled in the historic Upper Town, it's a key stop on any Zagreb walking tour.
🏛️ Parliament Next Door
See the Croatian Parliament building adjacent to the church for a dose of history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Mark's Church is celebrated for its stunning, uniquely tiled roof featuring national and city emblems. While many visitors are disappointed by current renovations limiting interior access, the exterior and its historical setting on St. Mark's Square remain a significant draw for its beauty and symbolism.
"St. Mark’s Church, located in Zagreb’s historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, largely due to its striking tiled roof. This colorful roof features two coats of arms made from glazed ceramic tiles. On the left side is the emblem of the former Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia, representing the union of these historical regions. It combines a red-and-white checkerboard for Croatia, three lion heads for Dalmatia, and a marten running across a field with a star above for Slavonia.
On the right side of the roof is the coat of arms of the city of Zagreb. It shows a white, three-towered city gate on a blue background, symbolizing openness and protection, with a golden six-pointed star and crescent moon above it. The roof was added during a major restoration in the late 19th century, reflecting both national pride and the Gothic revival style of the time. Today, it serves not only as a beautiful architectural feature but also as a meaningful symbol of Croatia’s history and Zagreb’s civic identity.
The church is currently closed.
Croatia's main political activities (Parliament) is also located on St Mark's Square."
KloudManc
"1 | St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the city’s oldest architectural monuments. It is easily recognized by its vividly tiled roof, which displays the coats of arms of the medieval Triune Kingdom of Croatia‑Slavonia‑Dalmatia and the City of Zagreb.
2 | The church roof is very photogenic, and the site is worth a visit. During our stay in Zagreb in July 2025, the church was under renovation, and construction container towers were set up in front of it. The interior couldn't be visited, and it was nearly impossible to take a decent photo of the church."
Petr Novák
"Saint Mark’s Church in Zagreb’s Upper Town is a stunning sight, even from the outside. Its colorful tiled roof with Croatia’s and Zagreb’s coats of arms is unique and eye-catching. The Gothic portal looks impressive, but you can’t get too close due to barriers. It’s a bit disappointing it’s closed for repairs, but still worth seeing. The square around it feels historic and lively despite the restrictions."
Ramdas Panicher
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mark's Church is located in Zagreb's historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad). You can reach it by walking uphill from the Lower Town, or by taking the funicular railway from Tomiceva Street to the Lotrscak Tower, then it's a short walk. Taxis can also take you close to St. Mark's Square.
Yes, the funicular is a popular and scenic way to get to the Upper Town, which is where the church is located. From the funicular's upper station, it's a brief walk to St. Mark's Square.
Driving directly to St. Mark's Square is generally not recommended as it's a pedestrian-friendly historic area with limited parking. It's best to park in a public garage in the Lower Town and walk or take the funicular up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Historically, entry to the church itself has often been free, but it's crucial to check current information as it has been undergoing extensive renovations. Access to the square is always free.
The church's opening hours can vary significantly, especially due to ongoing renovations. It's highly recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Recent reviews indicate that St. Mark's Church has been closed for renovations, with limited or no interior access. Always verify its current status before planning your visit.
While guided tours might be available when the church is fully accessible, the focus for many visitors is on admiring the exterior, especially the roof. Check with local tour operators for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The best light for photographing the vibrant tiled roof is typically during the daytime, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is at an angle, highlighting the colors and textures.
Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. However, if the interior is accessible, there might be rules against flash photography or video recording inside the church.
The most iconic views are from St. Mark's Square itself, looking up at the roof. You can also find good vantage points from the surrounding streets in the Upper Town, offering different perspectives.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning, colorful tiled roof featuring the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. The Gothic portal is also a significant architectural feature.
The roof displays the coat of arms of the medieval Triune Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia-Dalmatia and the coat of arms of the City of Zagreb, symbolizing historical unity and civic identity.
Yes, it's situated on St. Mark's Square, which also houses the Croatian Parliament and the Museum of Broken Relationships. It's a central point in Zagreb's historic Upper Town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers
While interior access might be limited due to renovations, the Gothic portal and the surrounding St. Mark's Square provide additional photographic subjects. Consider capturing the church in context with the Parliament building or the bustling atmosphere of the square. Wide-angle lenses are great for the roof, while a standard lens can capture the architectural details of the portal.
🏛️ History Buffs
The church's most prominent historical feature is its roof, which was updated in the late 19th century to display the national and city coats of arms. This renovation was a powerful statement of national identity during a period of political change. Even with current renovations, the exterior tells a rich story of Croatia's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Tiled Roof: A Symbol of Croatia
Visitors are often captivated by the sheer beauty and detail of the roof. Even when the church's interior is inaccessible due to renovations, the exterior remains a major draw. The colorful patterns and heraldic symbols make it incredibly photogenic, offering a unique visual experience that stands out in Zagreb's cityscape. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and a proud display of national heritage.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that the roof's appearance can change slightly with the light throughout the day. Early morning or late afternoon sun can cast a warm glow, enhancing the colors. Many travelers find it to be one of the most memorable sights in Zagreb, even if they can't explore the church's interior.
Navigating Renovations and Access
It's crucial for visitors to check the current status of renovations before their trip. Websites of Zagreb's tourism board or the church itself (if available) are the best sources for up-to-date information. If the interior is closed, focus on appreciating the exterior, particularly the magnificent tiled roof, and the historic St. Mark's Square. The surrounding area, including the Croatian Parliament building, still offers a rich historical context.
Despite potential closures, many visitors still find the visit worthwhile. The unique architecture and the symbolic importance of the church, even from the outside, make it a key landmark. Planning your visit around the possibility of interior closure will help manage expectations and ensure you still have a positive experience exploring this significant piece of Zagreb's heritage.
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