The most beautiful religious buildings Zagreb & Backcountry

With its two bell towers (104 and 105 m), the cathedral is the highest religious building in the country. In Romanesque style, the first building (11th century) was destroyed by the Mongolian army. After the earthquake of 1880, the city's architect, Herman Bollé, a disciple of the Viennese Friedrich von Schmidt, redesigned it in neo-Gothic style. Inside there are paintings and sculptures, including the triptych of the Passion, signed Albrecht Dürer (1495), and a priceless sacred treasure.

Heavily damaged in 1481 during the Ottoman invasions, the monastery was rebuilt and the church redecorated with superb trompe-l'oeil paintings by Ivan Ranger. This 18th century painter influenced the local artists known as Paulin Aleksej Koniger's school. In this artistic and cultural center, scientists, linguists... Later, it was transformed into a prison. The cardinal of Croatia, who had refused to separate the Church and the State, was incarcerated under Tito.

The complex was founded in the 17th century on the former site of the Chapel of St Catherine. The buildings of monastic life still seem to be influenced by Gothic and Renaissance styles, while the adjoining church has more assertive Baroque elements. You will see that its interior radiates thanks to its golden high altar, a beautiful work of art! A quick tour of this period architectural ensemble is to be made during your visit to Krapina.

This important pilgrimage site in Croatia can be reached by one of the roads or bicycle paths that start from Zagreb, Varaždin or Krapina. In 1684, a blind woman discovered a dark wooden sculpture embedded in a wall of the church: a black Madonna and Child, both with very expressive human features. Legend has it that the statue appeared in the middle of mass, with the believer pointing to the exact spot to find it. Since then, the church has attracted Christians from all over Europe.