How long does it take to walk through Zagreb's Upper Town?

A typical self-guided walk takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This allows time to see the noon cannon at Lotrščak Tower and walk the length of the Grič Tunnel.

Is the Upper Town in Zagreb worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is the most atmospheric part of the city, featuring the iconic tiled roof of St. Mark's Church and the historic gas lamps that are still lit by hand every evening.

When does the cannon fire in Zagreb?

The Grič Cannon fires from the Lotrščak Tower every day at exactly 12:00 PM noon. It is a tradition that has lasted for over 140 years.

Can I walk through the Grič Tunnel for free?

Yes, the Grič Tunnel is free to enter and serves as a public pedestrian thoroughfare. It is open most days from 9 AM to 9 PM.

What is the best time of day for a Zagreb neighborhood stroll?

Late afternoon is ideal. You can experience the transition from day to night, see the gas lamps being lit, and enjoy the city views at sunset from the Strossmayer Promenade.

Are there many hills on the Zagreb walking route?

Yes, Gornji Grad is located on a hill. While the walk within the Upper Town is relatively flat, getting there requires walking up steep streets or taking the Funicular.

What should I see at St. Mark's Church?

The main attraction is the 19th-century tiled roof. It features the coat of arms of the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, as well as the city of Zagreb's emblem.

Medieval Shadows of Gornji Grad | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step back into the 13th century with this self-guided walk through Gornji Grad, the historic heart of Zagreb. Once known as Gradec, this hilltop settlement was a fortified town defined by its rivalry with neighboring Kaptol and its struggle against medieval threats. This neighborhood stroll leads you through narrow alleys where gas lamps still flicker at dusk, illuminating a past filled with legends of witchcraft, miraculous fires, and defensive towers. Your journey begins at the statue of the Witch of Grič, a tribute to both local folklore and the pioneering woman who brought these stories to life. As you explore independently, you will encounter the Stone Gate, the only surviving medieval entrance to the old town, which remains a site of deep spiritual significance for locals. The route continues to the iconic St. Mark's Church, famous for its colorful tiled roof that displays the heraldic history of the region. You will also experience the grandeur of Katarinin Trg and the defensive might of the Lotrščak Tower, where a daily cannon blast has marked noon for over a century. This walking route Zagreb offers a perfect blend of architectural mastery and atmospheric storytelling, concluding in the subterranean depths of the Grič Tunnel, a relic of 20th-century history hidden beneath the medieval streets. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, this audio walk provides the freedom to discover the shadows of Zagreb’s past at your own pace, away from the constraints of a traditional walking tour Zagreb.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The legendary Stone Gate and its miraculous painting
St. Mark’s Church with its iconic heraldic tiled roof
The panoramic views from the base of Lotrščak Tower
The daily noon-day blast of the Grič Cannon
Walking through the historic WWII-era Grič Tunnel
Stories of the 'Witch of Grič' and local folklore

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

The Witch of Grič Statue

Begin your self-guided adventure at the statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka, located near the Dolac Market. Zagorka was Croatia’s first female journalist and a prolific novelist who penned 'The Witch of Grič,' a story that blended historical facts with local legends of witchcraft trials in the 1700s. The statue stands as a symbol of female defiance and literary heritage. In medieval Gradec, accusations of witchcraft were a grim reality, often used to settle local disputes. As you look at the figure of Zagorka, imagine the atmospheric, dark alleys she described, which you are about to explore. This spot marks the transition from the bustling Lower Town to the mysterious Upper Town.

2

Stone Gate

Walk up the hill to reach the Stone Gate, or Kamenita Vrata. This is the only medieval town gate still standing from the original five that once guarded Gradec. However, it isn't just a piece of military architecture; it is a sacred shrine. In 1731, a devastating fire destroyed most of the wooden structure, but a painting of the Virgin Mary and Child was found miraculously untouched among the ashes. Today, you will see locals pausing here to light candles and pray in the quiet, soot-stained passage. Look closely at the walls to see 'Hvala' (Thank You) tablets left by those who believe their prayers were answered here.

3

St. Mark's Church

Emerging from the Stone Gate, you enter St. Mark’s Square, the political heart of Croatia. The centerpiece is St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s oldest architectural monuments. While the Romanesque windows date back to the 13th century, the church is most famous for its vibrant 1880s tiled roof. On the left, the coat of arms represents the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia; on the right is the emblem of Zagreb itself—a white castle on a red background. The square is also home to the Banski Dvori (Government Palace) and the Croatian Parliament, symbolizing the long history of self-governance in this region.

4

Katarinin Trg

Continue south to St. Catherine’s Square, dominated by the Baroque Church of St. Catherine. Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city. The square itself offers a moment of tranquility away from the main thoroughfares. If you walk to the edge of the plateau behind the church, you will find one of the best vantage points in the Upper Town. From here, you can see the twin spires of the Zagreb Cathedral in Kaptol, reminding us of the centuries-long rivalry between the ecclesiastical Kaptol and the secular, fortified Gradec where you now stand.

5

Lotrščak Tower

Next is the Lotrščak Tower, built in the mid-13th century to guard the southern gate of the town walls. Its name comes from the 'campana latrunculorum' or 'thieves' bell,' which rang every evening to signal the closing of the town gates. Since 1877, the tower has housed the Grič Cannon. Every day at exactly noon, the cannon fires a thunderous blast to synchronize the city's clocks. If you arrive at midday, expect a loud surprise! The tower stands next to the Strossmayer Promenade and the top station of the Zagreb Funicular, the shortest cable car ride in the world, which has connected the Upper and Lower towns since 1890.

6

Grič Tunnel

For your final stop, descend from the heights of the hill into the Grič Tunnel. This 350-meter-long underground passage was built during World War II as a bomb shelter. After decades of neglect, it served as a site for early 1990s raves and a shelter during the Croatian War of Independence before being renovated as a public walkway and exhibition space. Walking through its cool, damp interior offers a stark contrast to the medieval streets above. The tunnel connects the Mesnička and Radićeva streets, serving as a literal bridge between Zagreb’s wartime history and its modern urban life. Exit toward Radićeva street to find yourself back near the vibrant cafes of the city center.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “Medieval Shadows of Gornji Grad” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gornji Grad (Upper Town) route is widely considered the best for history. It covers medieval landmarks like the Stone Gate and St. Mark's Church, spanning over 800 years of the city's development.