Zagreb Cathedral, Zagreb

Zagreb Cathedral, with its soaring twin spires that dominate the skyline, is not only a defining symbol of Zagreb but also a masterpiece of sacred architecture in Croatia. Standing on Kaptol, it is the tallest building in Croatia and a focal point of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zagreb.

The cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has a storied history that dates back to the 11th century. However, much of its current neo-Gothic form is the result of extensive reconstruction in the late 19th century, after an earthquake in 1880 caused significant damage. The restoration, led by the famed architect Hermann Bollé, infused the cathedral with its distinctive, historically resonant Gothic revival style, which remains to this day.

The interior of the Zagreb Cathedral is as impressive as its exterior, with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows that filter light into an array of colors, and an array of finely crafted altars. One of the most notable features inside is the marble altar designed by the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.

Zagreb Cathedral also serves as a final resting place for many notable Croatians, including cardinals, archbishops, and the 20th-century political leader, Alojzije Stepinac. Visitors can explore the cathedral's treasury, which holds a rich collection of religious artifacts, vestments, and sacred art, some dating back to the 11th century.