[Mirogoj Cemetery] Off the Beaten Path Zagreb, Croatia

Mirogoj Cemetery, Zagreb; Architecture, Nature & Culture

If you are interested in architecture, greenery and a true look into the culture of Croatia, Mirogoj Cemetery is not to be missed while in Zagreb. Cemeteries are one of my favourite types of places to seek out when traveling because they’re basically sculpture parks that also give you a glimpse into a culture’s values, history and people in their sincerest moments. I saw photos of Mirogoj’s long black and white checker tiled hallways with ivy climbing up the romantic arched doorways and I knew I needed to visit.

Mirogoj Cemetary Building — This is the first building you encounter when you head up the driveway

Mirogoj front gate — It feels somewhat fitting to visit a cemetery on a rainy day

Who is buried in Mirogoj?

The sprawling land that Mirogoj Cemetery is build on was originally owned by the famous linguist, Judevit Gai. After his death in 1872, the city bought the plot which is now home to over 300 000 deceased. Unlike other graveyards that were operated by the churches, Mirogoj was owned by the city. This makes Mirogoj Cemetary the final resting place to the most diverse mix of backgrounds in Zagreb. The graves of Catholic and Jewish to Muslim and the irreligious people can all be found together. Many famous Croatian’s are buried here, including Franjo Tuđman (the first president of croatia), Hermann Bollé (the architect who designed Mirogoj) and many other notable artists, scientists and politicians… many you would recognize more famous Croatian names than me!

Find a grave here.

An alter is found in each of the domes

The repeating domes stretch into the distance

Art & Architecture at Mirogoj Cemetery

Hermann Bollé, most famous for designing Zagreb’s cathedral, is the architect of the Mirogoj buildings. The city opened the cemetery on November 6, 1876 and even though the construction of the arcades was started in 1879, due to a lack of funding, they were only finished in 1929. The marble stone and rib vault ceilings are indicative of the Gothic style. Many of the graves were craved by the famous sculptures, Ivan Meštrović and Ivan Rendić. As well, the cemetery is also home to several artistic memorials.

When you visit, make sure to take enough time to make a full circle through the arcades and appreciate the subtle differences in the design. I unfortunately didn’t get a photo of the area with the black and white checked tile floors that I found most captivating.

The iconic tiled floors of the arcades are what attracted me to Mirogoj

The Gothic style architecture transports you back in time

Enchanting nature year-round

This secluded garden is worth a visit at any time of year. In the spring, the flowers bloom. In the summer, the lush vines blanket the buildings and in the fall the leaves of the vines turn a beautiful shade of wine purple.

Take a reflective stroll through the tree lined pathways and admire the emotion captured in sculptures of the tombstones. Listen to the birds sing and soak in the nature surrounding you.

tree lined paths of Mirogoj Cemetery — Soak in the silence

Grave tombstones in Mirogoj Cemetary — Each grave is so thoughtfully decorated

Visit on All Saints Day

November 1st, the day after Halloween, is All Saints Day in Croatia. All Saints Day is a day to honor the dead, especially loved ones who have passed away. In Mirogoj Cemetery, this day is marked by the spectacle of thousands of red candles lit and placed to fill the walkways with light.

Mourning man

Mourning woman

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