Church of the Holy Angels, Zagreb

The Church of the Holy Angels (Crkva Svetih Anđela) in Zagreb is a Catholic parish church in the Savski gaj neighbourhood, in the southern part of the Croatian capital. It stands at Prekratova 29 and serves as the religious centre of a residential district that grew up near the Sava river, away from the historic core of the city.

Where is the church and how do you get there?

Savski gaj is a residential area in southern Zagreb, close to the Sava and next to the Remetinec district. The church sits inside the neighbourhood on Prekratova street. City public transport is the easiest way to reach it from the centre, and a visit combines well with a walk along the river.

What does the building look like?

The architectural design is by Stjepan Krajač. The church was deliberately set back into the depth of its plot, which left a spacious square in front of it. The entrance is raised above the level of the square and emphasised by an entrance porch. This arrangement gives the building a clear axis and makes it stand out among the surrounding housing blocks.

It is contemporary architecture from the 1990s, not a centuries-old monument. It is worth seeing as an example of modern sacred building in Zagreb, where new residential districts received parish churches of their own.

What is the history of the parish?

The community dates back to 1966, when Cardinal Franjo Šeper established a branch of the Remetinec parish in Savski gaj. Later, Archbishop Franjo Kuharić founded an independent parish dedicated to the Holy Angels. Pope John Paul II blessed the foundation stone for the new church.

Construction ran from 1994 to 1996. The church was built with donations from parishioners and the parish priest, and with the voluntary labour of many believers. The first Masses were already held there in 1996. The church was formally consecrated on 15 April 2007 by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić.

Can you go inside?

The church is in active parish use, so the best time to visit is during service hours. The current Mass schedule is published by the parish and by the Archdiocese of Zagreb. Visitors should keep quiet, dress modestly and avoid taking photos during liturgy.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the church? Stjepan Krajač.

When was it built? Construction took place in 1994–1996, and it was consecrated in 2007.

Who consecrated it? Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Archbishop of Zagreb, on 15 April 2007.

Who blessed the foundation stone? Pope John Paul II.

Where exactly is it? In the Savski gaj neighbourhood, at Prekratova 29.

Is it a historic monument? It is a modern church from the late twentieth century, important to the local community and to the character of the district.