Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral, on the Kaptol, is a Roman Catholic institution and not only the tallest building in Croatia but also the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps.[3] It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. The cathedral is typically Gothic, as is its sacristy, which is of great architectural value. Its prominent spires are considered to be landmarks as they are visible from most parts of the city. One of its two spires was damaged in an earthquake that took place on March 22nd, 2020.

Zagreb Cathedral
Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
Croatian: Zagrebačka katedrala
Zagreb Cathedral
45°48′52″N 15°58′47″E
LocationZagreb
CountryCroatia
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusCathedral
Relics heldSarcophagus of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, Croatian martyrs Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan, whose bones were transferred from Wiener Neu Stadt in 1919 A.D., Ivan Antun Zrinski, Eugen Kvaternik etc
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationRegister of Cultural Goods of Croatia
Designated2013
Architect(s)Hermann Bollé (last reconstruction)
StyleGothic (original)
Gothic Revival (19th century reconstructions)
Years builtMid-13th century
1880–1906 (reconstruction/additions)
Specifications
Number of spires2
Spire height108 m (354 ft)
Bells5 (North Tower)
3 (South Tower)[1]
Administration
ArchdioceseZagreb
Clergy
ArchbishopJosip Bozanić
Native name
Croatian: Zagrebačka katedrala
Location of Zagreb Cathedral in Croatia
LocationZagreb, Croatia
ArchitectHermann Bollé (last reconstruction)
Governing bodyZagrebačka katedrala
TypeCultural
DesignatedMarch 9, 2013[2]
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History

In 1093 when King Ladislaus (1040-1095) moved the bishop's chair from Sisak to Zagreb, he proclaimed the existing church as a cathedral. Construction on the cathedral started shortly after his death and was finished in 1217 and consecrated by king Andrew II of Hungary. The building was destroyed by the Mongols in 1242 but rebuilt by bishop Timotej (1263-1287) a few years later. At the end of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded Croatia, triggering the construction of fortification walls around the cathedral, some of which are still intact. In the 17th century, a fortified renaissance watchtower was erected on the south side and was used as a military observation point, because of the Ottoman threat.

The cathedral was severely damaged in the 1880 Zagreb earthquake. The main nave collapsed and the tower was damaged beyond repair. The restoration of the cathedral in the Neo-Gothic style was led by Hermann Bollé, bringing the cathedral to its present form. As part of that restoration, two spires 108 m (354 ft) high were raised on the western side, both of which are now in the process of being restored as part of an extensive general restoration of the cathedral. [4]

The cathedral is depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 1000 kuna banknote issued in 1993.[5]

When facing the portal, the building is 46 meters wide and 108 meters high.[6] The cathedral contains a relief of Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac with Christ done by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The cathedral was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on 5 June 2011 where he celebrated Sunday Vespers and prayed before the tomb of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac.

The cathedral was damaged in the 2020 earthquake on 22 March, in which the tip of its southern spire broke off and crashed onto the roof of the adjacent Archbishop's Palace.[7] On 17 April 2020, the northern spire of Zagreb Cathedral was removed due to leaning during the earthquake.[8][9][10]

Treasury

The cathedral holds a treasury (riznica) that include various metal vessels, liturgical vestments, and liturgical books collected during various periods of its history. Among these objects most notable are medieval St. Ladislaus cloak, Plenarium made out of ivory, and baroque Reliquary-bust of King Saint Stephen.

  • 1880 pre-earthquake view from Jelačić Square with old square spire
  • 19th Century view with fortifications intact
  • Facade
  • Mary column in front of the Cathedral
  • Entrance portal
  • Eastern view
  • Sarcophagus of blessed Alojzije Stepinac.
  • Nave, altar and pulpit
  • Gargoyle on a Zagreb Cathedral
  • Zagreb skyline with cathedral in the background
  • Neo-Gothic tower on a Zagreb Cathedral
  • Lateral interior
  • Stained glass
  • Interior nave
  • Coffin
  • Altar
  • Holy mass

See also

References
  1. "Zvona zagrebačke katedrale (Bells of the Zagreb Cathedral)". Glas Koncila (in Croatian).
  3. Gavrilović, Feđa (12 January 2012). "Razbijene zastarjele predrasude" [Obsolete prejudices shattered]. Vijenac (in Croatian). No. 466. Matica hrvatska. ISSN 1330-2787. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  4. Archdiocese of Zagreb - Archdiocese of Zagreb - History of the Cathedral
  5. Croatian National Bank. Features of Kuna Banknotes Archived 2009-05-06 at the Wayback Machine: 1000 kuna Archived 2009-05-11 at the Wayback Machine. – Retrieved on 30 March 2009.
  6. Zagreb Cathedral - Visit Zagreb - Zagreb Cathedral
  7. "Sa zvonika katedrale pao križ i jako oštetio Nadbiskupski dvor kardinala Bozanića". Večernji list (in Croatian). 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  8. "Vrh sjevernog tornja zagrebačke katedrale uspješno uklonjen i spušten na tlo". dnevnik.hr. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  9. "Eksplozijama odvojen toranj katedrale, prizemljen je". index.hr. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  10. "Rušenje tornja zagrebačke katedrale". hr.n1info.com. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
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