The Stone Gate, or Kamenita Vrata, is one of Zagreb's most cherished historical landmarks and a significant spiritual site. Located in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), this medieval stone gate dates back to the 13th century and is the last remaining of five gates from the old city’s fortifications.
The gate is famous not only for its historical role in protecting the city but also for a legend tied to a miraculous event. In 1731, a devastating fire swept through the city, destroying half the town, including the Stone Gate. When the flames subsided, a painting of the Virgin Mary and Child was found miraculously unscathed amid the ruins. Believing it to be a sign of divine intervention, the locals enshrined the painting in the passageway of the Stone Gate, and it became a place of pilgrimage.
The painting is now preserved within an ornate wrought-iron enclosure inside a small chapel nestled within the passageway of the Stone Gate. The chapel is dedicated to the miraculous painting, and the Virgin Mary, who is also the patron saint of Zagreb.
As you walk through the gate, you also pass through the chapel. What a unique setup!
Can you spot the wooden benches tucked away in a quiet corner, offering a peaceful spot for visitors to pause, reflect, and contemplate the sacred space?
The chapel's walls are adorned with stone plaques.
Each of these thank-you tiles tells a unique story of how a prayer to the Virgin Mary of the Stone Gate was miraculously answered. Traditionally, when a prayer was fulfilled, the grateful individual would inscribe the tablet with the word
Hvala—Croatian for "thank you"—along with details of the specific prayer that was answered. Many of the tiles on display express gratitude for the restored health of loved ones, a testament to faith and divine intervention.
The Stone Gate is not only a site of religious significance but also a cultural treasure. It plays a prominent role in the historical novel
Zlatarevo Zlato (
The Goldsmith's Treasure) by August Šenoa. Adding a literary touch to its rich history, a statue of Dora Krupić, a beloved character from the novel, is elegantly nestled in a niche within the landmark.
Zlatarovo zlato (
The Goldsmith's Treasure) is a historical novel by Croatian author August Šenoa, published in 1871. Set in 16th-century Zagreb, it weaves a tale of forbidden love between Dora, the daughter of a goldsmith, and Pavao, a nobleman, amidst a backdrop of class conflicts, intrigue, and betrayal. The novel is considered a cornerstone of Croatian literature, blending romantic and historical elements to capture the spirit of the time.
Dora is depicted holding a key, a powerful symbol of her role in the renowned historical novel
Zlatarovo zlato (
The Goldsmith's Treasure) by August Šenoa. In the story, Dora and her father serve as keepers of the keys to the Stone Gate, a crucial entryway traditionally opened and closed daily to protect the city's inhabitants.
image credit - https://www.citypal.me/
Interestingly, on the roof of the Stone Gate sits a spiked fixture, a deterrent once placed on rooftops during medieval times to ensnare low-flying witches.
Whiskered Wanderers at the Stone Gates of Zagreb 🐭
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