Mirogoj Cemetery: The Largest Openair Gallery

Zagreb’s Mirogoj Cemetery, located on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain, is a place frequented by many tourists. It was established in the second half of the 19^th century, and officially opened on 6 November 1876.

Its monumental arcades, which are priceless heritage of culture, history and art, its pavilions and domes were designed by Herman Bolle, who was responsible for the architectural design of Zagreb.

Throughout nearly 150-years-long history of Mirogoj, numerous monuments were erected there and several hundreds were sculpted by famous sculpturers and visual artists. The cemetery is also famous for its horticultural garden design.

It is the final resting place of many renowned personalities from Croatian history, but also present. Many admirers visit the tombs of famous historic politicians, athletes, poets and writers, painters and sculptors as well as other persons who contributed to the period in which they lived, but also future generations.

Even though various monuments at the cemetery, especially the arcades, have suffered damage in the earthquake that hit Zagreb in spring 2020, they are being renovated to return to their previous glow.

Although this is always a place of special reverence and remembrance of people who marked common history and personal lives, it is visited the most on 1 and 2 November, which are the holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This is the time when citizens of Zagreb flock to the final resting ground and pray and light candles to honour those who are still in our thoughts and memories.