Petar Preradović, the man cast in bronze in the heart of Zagreb, was a 19th-century poet and military general who somehow balanced romantic verses with strategic battle plans. His statue stands proudly in Preradović Square, better known as "Cvjetni trg" (Flower Square), a lively spot filled with cafés and, well, flowers. A key figure of the Croatian National Revival, Preradović used his poetry to promote Croatian language and identity at a time when it wasn’t exactly encouraged.
If you ever find yourself wandering through Marshal Tito Square, admiring the grand Croatian National Theatre, don’t forget to glance at Saint George in full dragon-slaying mode. Perched heroically on his horse, sword raised, and a rather unfortunate dragon beneath him, this statue captures the classic medieval showdown. Created by Anton Dominik Fernkorn, it’s a moment frozen in time—pure drama, no intermission. However, after some research, I discovered another statue of St. George, which is much more interesting than this one. St. George stands over the dragon, looking like he regrets everything. Must check it out next time!
The Grounded Sun is one of Zagreb’s more curious pieces of public art—because who wouldn’t want a giant bronze sun casually sitting in the middle of the street? Created by Ivan Kožarić in 1971, this perfectly round, slightly weathered sphere can be found in Bogovićeva Street, where it looks both completely out of place and oddly fitting at the same time. Are these graphitis really necessary?
The statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka, sitting gracefully on Tkalčićeva Street, pays tribute to one of Croatia’s most remarkable women—its first female journalist and a beloved novelist. If you see a bronze figure in a long coat, leaning on a railing as if she’s just taking a break from changing history, that’s Zagorka.
Born in the late 19th century, she was a fierce advocate for women's rights and a writer of historical novels that people in Croatia still adore today. She battled sexism, censorship, and plenty of doubters,
Nikola Tesla. Are there any more words needed? Half Croatian, half Serbian mastermind of the modern world.
The Ban Jelačić statue is the heart and soul of Zagreb’s main square, and let’s be real—no trip to the city is complete without passing by this bronze figure of Josip Jelačić, sword in hand, mounted on his mighty horse. He was a 19th-century military leader (or ban, the historical title for a Croatian governor) who played a key role in resisting Hungarian rule and pushing for Croatian independence.
This statue has quite the history—originally installed in 1866, it was removed in 1947 when the new communist government decided they weren’t fans. For decades, Jelačić was in statue exile, only to make a grand return in 1990, just before Croatia declared independence. The statue originally pointed north, towards Hungary, but after its comeback, it now faces south.
Croatia's most known trickster - Petrica Kerempuh, a folk hero, a satirical, almost mythical character who has been making fun of the powerful and exposing the absurdities of life for centuries. He’s the kind of guy who would roast both kings and beggars with equal wit.
The History of the Croats sculpture is one of Zagreb’s most striking and thought-provoking monuments. Created by Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most famous sculptor, this powerful piece sits outside the Government of Croatia building in St. Mark’s Square.
Unlike the usual heroic figures on horses or mythical dragons, this sculpture takes a different approach—it’s a seated, cloaked figure with a solemn, almost mysterious expression. The form is strong and compact, symbolizing the endurance and resilience of the Croatian people through history
Stay blessed
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Wow, the heroes of Croatia!
Hello!
No doubt it is a very detailed post with historical and cultural data and it makes you want to walk around, admire closely all those sculptural monuments and sit in the lively and flowery square... By the way, I love ice cream. I'm sure I can find delicious ice cream there.
The sculpture of George's battle with the dragon is very beautiful. But I was delighted to meet the journalist Marija Jurić Zagorka.
Thank you!