St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka) is the parish church of Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and one of the city's oldest and most emblematic buildings, with origins in the 13th century. It is world-famous for its steep tiled roof, whose glazed tiles form the coats of arms of the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia and of the City of Zagreb—laid during the 1876–1882 neo-Gothic restoration and now Zagreb's most photographed landmark. Severely damaged in the 2020 earthquake, the church was restored over roughly three years and reopened for regular Mass in December 2023; as of 2026, access to the surrounding St. Mark's Square remains variable because of security around the government and parliament buildings. The interior opens only for Mass, so most visitors experience the church by admiring and photographing the roof from the square.
The glazed-tile roof bearing the Croatian kingdom's arms (left) and the City of Zagreb's arms (right)—completed in the 1876–1882 restoration led by Friedrich von Schmidt and Hermann Bollé
Interior artworks including sculptures by Ivan Meštrović and murals by Jozo Kljaković and Ljubo Babić (viewable only during Mass)
The oldest Zagreb coat of arms, dated 1499, set into the northwest exterior wall (the original is kept in the Zagreb City Museum)
The late-Gothic three-nave structure and Gothic south portal from the 14th-century reconstruction
The setting on St. Mark's Square—flanked by the Banski dvori (government) and Sabor (parliament)—and the Cravat Regiment changing-of-the-guard, held weekends at noon from April to October
Good to know
SafetySt. Mark's Square houses the government, parliament and Constitutional Court and is a top-tier guarded zone. Security fences installed after a 2020 armed attack on the government building can restrict access (they were temporarily removed in 2025 for roadworks, but the situation changes often); do not photograph police checkpoints or the government buildings up close.
SeasonThe roof and exterior are the main attraction, so visit by day in clear weather. May–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds than high summer; in winter you can pair the visit with the nearby Advent market.
RulesThe interior is not open on a fixed schedule—you can enter only during Mass. Entry is free, but avoid sightseeing movement, loud talking or flash photography during services, and check the latest opening hours, Mass times and ticket details before you go.
MannersThis is an active place of worship and a venue for state ceremonies (including state funerals), so dress modestly if attending Mass and do not block the formation or be disruptive during the changing-of-the-guard ceremony.
CautionThe Upper Town and Ban Jelačić Square area is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and for taxis that don't run the meter—use app-based rides (Uber, Bolt) or agree the fare in advance.
Practical info
Reach the Upper Town on foot from Ban Jelačić Square via the Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) or by the funicular. The interior opens only during Mass and admission is free, but opening/Mass times and whether the square is accessible change frequently, so confirm the latest details with the Zagreb Tourist Board or the parish before visiting.
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