Mirogoj Cemetery

Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb is one of Croatia's best-known burial grounds, and many travellers treat it as an open-air gallery of architecture and sculpture. Rather than a gloomy necropolis, you will find a green, carefully laid-out complex with long arcades, domes and monuments by well-known artists.

When was Mirogoj founded?

The cemetery officially opened on 6 November 1876. For its time it was notable for welcoming people of all faiths, which reflects the character of a city where different religious traditions met over the centuries. Today Mirogoj remains Zagreb's main city cemetery.

Who designed it?

The arcades and the overall layout are credited to Hermann Bollé, an architect of French and German-family background who left many distinctive buildings across Zagreb around the turn of the twentieth century. Construction of the arcades began in 1879, and Bollé worked on them until 1917. He died in 1926 before fully realising his plans for a central dome and chapel; these elements were completed to his designs shortly after his death, and according to some sources the central section was finished in 1929.

What will you see?

• The arcades – long covered galleries running along the cemetery, sheltering tombs and memorial plaques. They are Mirogoj's most recognisable feature and a fine place for an unhurried walk, even in the rain.
• The church at the main entrance – topped by a copper-green dome that is visible from a distance.
• Sculpture and tombstones – many graves feature works by well-known Croatian sculptors, including Ivan Meštrović, Antun Augustinčić and Dušan Đamonja.
• Greenery – tree-lined paths make the place feel more like a park than a cemetery.

Who is buried here?

Many people important to Croatia rest at Mirogoj. They include the architect Hermann Bollé himself, the writer Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, basketball player Dražen Petrović, abstract painter Edo Murtić and Franjo Tuđman, the first president of independent Croatia. A stroll along the paths is therefore also a lesson in the country's cultural, sporting and political history.

The 2020 earthquake

On 22 March 2020 a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Zagreb and damaged the Mirogoj arcades as well. If you are planning a visit, it is worth checking before you travel whether every section is open to visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mirogoj?

In Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, at roughly 45.8357 N, 15.9844 E.

Can tourists visit Mirogoj?

Yes. It is an active cemetery but welcomes visitors. Keep quiet, dress modestly and do not disturb funeral attendees.

How much time should I plan?

One to two hours is usually enough for a relaxed walk along the arcades and main paths, longer if you want to find specific graves.

Is it a good place for photos?

Yes, the arcades, domes and sculptures are very photogenic, but photograph with respect for other visitors and mourners.

Who is this visit for?

We recommend Mirogoj to lovers of nineteenth-century architecture, Croatian history and sculpture, and to anyone looking for a calm place away from Zagreb's main attractions. It makes a good reflective stop in a capital itinerary, combining art, greenery and important threads of the country's past. For many people it turns out to be one of the most memorable stops of their stay in the city.