Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral
Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
Croatian: Zagrebačka katedrala
Zagreb Cathedral
45°48′52″N 15°58′47″E / 45.81444°N 15.97972°E / 45.81444; 15.97972Coordinates: 45°48′52″N 15°58′47″E / 45.81444°N 15.97972°E / 45.81444; 15.97972
Location Zagreb
Country Croatia
Denomination Roman Catholic
History
Relics held Sarcophagus of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac
Architecture
Status Cathedral
Functional status Active
Heritage designation Register of Cultural Goods of Croatia
Designated 2013
Architect(s) Hermann Bollé (last reconstruction)
Style Gothic (original)
Gothic Revival (19th century reconstructions)
Years built Mid-13th century
1880–1906 (reconstruction/additions)
Specifications
Number of spires 2
Spire height 108 m (354 ft)
Bells 5 (North Tower)
3 (South Tower)[1]
Administration
Archdiocese Zagreb
Clergy
Archbishop Josip Bozanić
Native name
Croatian: Zagrebačka katedrala
Location Zagreb, Croatia
Governing body Zagrebačka katedrala
Type Cultural
Designated March 9, 2013[2]

The Zagreb Cathedral on 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.

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.

The cathedral is depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 1000 kuna banknote issued in 1993.[4]

When facing the portal, the building is 46 meters wide and 108 meters high.[5] 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.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Zvona zagrebačke katedrale (Bells of the Zagreb Cathedral)". Glas Koncila (in Croatian).
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Feđa Gavrilović (12 January 2012). "Razbijene zastarjele predrasude" [Obsolete prejudices shattered. Vijenac (in Croatian) (Matica hrvatska) (466). ISSN 1330-2787. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  4. ↑ Croatian National Bank. Features of Kuna Banknotes: 1000 kuna. – Retrieved on 30 March 2009.
  5. ↑ MAKOV TEKST O ZAGREBAČKOJ KATEDRALI - glas-koncila.hr
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