Zagreb’s imposing Neo-Gothic cathedral is the defining feature of its skyline, thanks to the elegantly tapering 108-metre-high spires. Both towers currently have a slightly stunted appearance: the tip of the southern spire fell off in the earthquake of March 2020; the tip of the other spire was taken down a month later for restoration.

History & key tombs

Founded in the 11th century and rebuild many times since, the cathedral owes its current appearance to Viennese architect Hermann Bollé, who remodelled it following earlier earthquake damage in 1880. The high bare interior features the tombs of several outstanding locals, including Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan (aristocrats executed for plotting against the Austrian emperor in 1671), and Toma Bakač Erdödy, who led Central European armies to victory against the Ottoman Turks at Sisak in 1593.

At the back of the cathedral is the tomb and effigy of Archbishop Alojzije Stepinac (1898-1960), a controversial figure who collaborated with the World War II quisling regime but also spoke out against some of its excesses. Imprisoned by communists after a show-trial in 1947, Stepinac was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998.