Greek Catholic Co-Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius

The Co-Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Zagreb is a Greek Catholic church in the oldest part of the Croatian capital, on Ćirilometodska Street in the Upper Town, close to St. Mark's Square. It serves as the co-cathedral of the Eparchy of Križevci, the community of Eastern-rite Catholics in Croatia.

What makes this church distinctive?

Zagreb is mostly associated with Roman Catholicism, so this church often surprises visitors. Greek Catholics keep Eastern liturgy and traditions while remaining in communion with Rome. The dedication to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the apostles of the Slavs, recalls the shared heritage of Slavic peoples and the Glagolitic script, which holds a special place in Croatian culture.

What is its history?

A Greek Catholic church and seminary already stood in the Upper Town earlier; the seminary building is dated to 1681. The exact founding date of the first church cannot be established, because a fire in 1766 destroyed most of the parish books that could have confirmed it.

The church took its present form at the end of the 19th century. Work began in 1885 on the initiative of the Greek Catholic Bishop of Križevci, Ilija Hranilović, marking the thousandth anniversary of the death of St. Methodius. The architect was Hermann Bollé, closely associated with the look of Zagreb. The church was consecrated on 12 December 1886.

What can you see inside?

The interior is decorated with large painted compositions by Ivan Tišov from 1910 and 1911. Some of them include stylised Glagolitic lettering, echoing the Cyrillo-Methodian legacy and setting this church apart from other places of worship in the city. Look also at the iconography and layout typical of the Eastern rite.

How to visit

The co-cathedral sits in the historic Upper Town, so it pairs easily with a walk around St. Mark's Square, narrow lanes and viewpoints. Visit respectfully when services are taking place. Check opening hours and liturgy times beforehand, as they can change.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a Catholic cathedral? Yes, but of the Byzantine (Greek Catholic) rite, in full communion with the Pope.

Why "co-cathedral"? It shares cathedral status within the Eparchy of Križevci, whose main see is in Križevci.

Who designed the current building? Hermann Bollé; it was consecrated in 1886.

Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you want to see a different side of religious life in Croatia, Eastern-style interiors and a piece of Slavic cultural history in central Zagreb.