Eugen Kvaternik square

Eugen Kvaternik Square is the central square of Bjelovar, Croatia, and has served as the heart of the city for more than 250 years. It's the natural gathering point for social, cultural, and civic life in town, combining the role of a landscaped city park with that of the main public meeting place.

Where does the square's name come from?

The square dates back to 1756, when it was laid out as a military parade ground known as Brigade Parade Platz. Over the following centuries it changed names several times, mirroring the political shifts of the region: it was known as Maria Theresa Square, then King Peter Square, and later Unity Square during the socialist Yugoslav era. It received its present name, honoring Eugen Kvaternik, a 19th-century Croatian politician and lawyer, after Croatia declared independence.

What can you see there?

At the heart of the square lies a park centered on a historic music pavilion built in 1943, constructed entirely from white stone brought from the island of Brač and considered one of the largest structures of its kind in Europe. Around the pavilion stand four Baroque-era statues: Saint Theresa of Jesus, Saint George slaying the dragon, Saint Helena, and Saint John of Nepomuk.

On the northern side, the square borders the Cathedral of Saint Theresa of Ávila and the korzo, the traditional pedestrian promenade of Bjelovar. The square is also home to the Bjelovar City Museum, founded in 1949, which holds cultural-historical, archaeological-ethnological, and natural science collections that together tell the story of the region.

The park surrounding the square has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in continental Croatia, making it a pleasant spot for a walk at any time of year.

When is the best time to visit?

The square is at its liveliest during the second weekend of June, when it hosts Terezijana, the city's biggest annual festival. The celebrations open with a symbolic arrival of Maria Theresa's carriage, referencing the Habsburg empress tied to the square's history, followed by several days of cultural, musical, and historical events across the city center.

Outside the festival period, the square remains a calm, green centerpiece of the city — a good starting point for exploring nearby sights and a place where locals gather every day.

How do you get to Eugen Kvaternik Square?

The square sits right in the center of Bjelovar, surrounded by the town's main streets, making it easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the city center. It works as a natural landmark for orientation while exploring — once you reach downtown, the cathedral and park greenery mark the square clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the square and park free? Yes, the square and park are open public space, accessible around the clock at no cost.

What else is worth seeing besides the park itself? The Cathedral of Saint Theresa of Ávila on the northern side of the square and the Bjelovar City Museum, located directly on the square, are both worth a visit.

When does Terezijana take place? The main celebrations fall on the second weekend of June, though related cultural events can extend across several days around that date.

Is the square suitable for a family walk? Yes — the green park with its pavilion and statues, the absence of car traffic, and the central location make it a comfortable stop for families with children as well as anyone looking for a quiet break while exploring Bjelovar.