The State Archives in Zagreb

The Croatian State Archives (CSA) is the central and main archival institution that stores, protects, professionally processes and provides access to written heritage created by the work of central state administrative bodies, educational, cultural, health and military institutions, records created by the activities of the Croatian diaspora, as well as renowned individuals and families.

The inception of the current CSA are symbolically linked to the year of 1643, when based on the Act of the Parliament (Sabor) a special Chest of Privileges was created that stored charters pertaining to privileges of the nobility of the Kingdom of Slavonia i.e. estates and orders of the Kingdoms of Slavonia and Croatia.

Since 1913 the CSA is located in the very centre of Zagreb, in 21 Marko Marulić Square, in a recognizable fin de siècle building. This most important palace of the Croatian secession, a protected cultural monument, had been devised as a stand-alone building in the grounds. It fits wonderfully with the zoning of the Lower Town, particularly Zagreb’s Green Horseshoe. The high half-dome above the Great Reading Room in the central part of the building with four pillars, which have copper sculptures with four owls carrying globes are the perfect representation of the identity of knowledge and a recognizable vista of this monumental masterpiece.

Apart from its archival activities the Croatian State Archives with its various information resources and public programs, such as exhibitions, workshops, children programs, guided tours, film screenings and lectures, opens its door for the general public and interested citizens on a daily basis.

Guided tours of the representative part of the building are given on workdays at 1 and 2 pm. Group tours must be pre-booked via telephone +385 1 4801 930 or email kpa@arhiv.hr