Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata): Zagreb's gate and shrine to Mary
The Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) is a landmark of Zagreb's Upper Town, built between 1242 and 1266 and given its present look in the 18th century. It is the only one of the old gates of Gradec still standing, and its passage holds a shrine to the Mother of God of the Stone Gate, the city's patron saint. It is a short, atmospheric stop on any walk through the Upper Town.
Zagreb's only surviving medieval city gate is also a chapel. Under its arch hangs a picture of Mary that, according to tradition, came out of the great fire of 1731 untouched.
The history of the Stone Gate
In 1242 Gradec, the hilltop settlement that is today part of Zagreb, was declared a free royal city by the Golden Bull. The Bull stipulated that the city must be surrounded by walls and fortifications and could be entered only through its gates. Of those gates, the Stone Gate is the only one preserved today. It is believed to have been built in 1266 and stands in a building that is the remains of a fortress, shaped like a rectangular tower with a carriageway for traffic.
The gate's best-known story begins with a fire that broke out late in the evening in the building of the St. Joseph Seminary, between 30 and 31 May 1731. It spread first across the Upper Town and the next day to the neighbouring Kaptol. On the third day after the fire, people examining the burnt area found a painting of Saint Mary lying undamaged in the ashes; only its wooden frame had burnt. News of the miracle spread quickly through Zagreb. A pious widow had a small altar set up under the arch of the Stone Gate, so that all her fellow citizens could venerate the picture.
The gate took its present appearance in the 18th century; Croatian Wikipedia gives the year 1760. A chapel in the passage holds the gilded icon of Mary holding the infant Jesus. Beside the Baroque altar railing of the 18th century, a typical medieval shop, known as Pod boltom, has been preserved. Its door lay under one half of the stone arch, while the other half was walled up and turned into a display window. On 31 May 1991, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić proclaimed the Mother of God of the Stone Gate the patron saint of the city of Zagreb.
The monument was saved from demolition thanks to the society Braća Hrvatskoga Zmaja (the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon), which still has its seat in the historic hall on the upper floor. The gate also features in the historical novel Zlatarovo zlato (The Goldsmith's Treasure) by August Šenoa, from 1871. It is listed in the Registry of the Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia. After the Zagreb earthquake of 22 March 2020, no damage at all was recorded at the Stone Gate.
Curiosities about the Stone Gate
- Of all the gates that once guarded medieval Gradec, only the Stone Gate has survived.
- According to tradition, only the wooden frame of the painting burnt in the fire of 1731; the picture of Mary was found undamaged in the ashes.
- In a niche on the western façade stands a small statue of Dora Krupić, a character in Šenoa's novel The Goldsmith's Treasure, by the sculptor Ivo Kerdić (1881–1953).
- A medieval shop called Pod boltom has been preserved beside the altar railing, with its door under one half of the stone arch.
- After the earthquake that struck Zagreb on 22 March 2020, the Stone Gate showed not the slightest damage.
- The gate was saved from demolition by the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon, who now have their seat in the hall above.
Tours near Stone Gate
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting the Stone Gate
- The gate stands at Kamenita ulica 3 in Zagreb's Upper Town. You walk through the carriageway itself, which is also the chapel.
- Inside the shrine, look for the gilded icon of Mary with the infant Jesus, the prayers carved into the marble of the southern and eastern walls, and the benches and table for lighting candles.
- The shrine is considered a holy place by Catholics in Zagreb, who often come to light candles and pray, so visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful.
- Look for the small statue of Dora Krupić in the niche on the western façade, and for the medieval Pod boltom shop beside the altar railing.
- The sources give no opening hours, so check the current arrangements before you go. The gate combines easily with nearby Lotrščak Tower.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Stone Gate is
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Photos of Stone Gate
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Questions
Where is the Stone Gate in Zagreb?
It stands at Kamenita ulica 3, in Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji grad), not far from Lotrščak Tower.
When was the Stone Gate built?
It was built between 1242 and 1266 and is believed to date from 1266. It took on its present appearance in the 18th century.
Why is there a shrine inside the Stone Gate?
After a great fire in 1731, a painting of Mary was found undamaged in the ashes. A small altar was set up under the arch, and the picture has been venerated there ever since.
Who is the Mother of God of the Stone Gate?
It is the name given to Mary, Mother of Jesus, as patron saint of Zagreb. Cardinal Franjo Kuharić proclaimed her patron of the city on 31 May 1991.
Is the Stone Gate the only old gate of Zagreb?
It is the only preserved gate of the old walls of Gradec, the medieval Upper Town.
Is the Stone Gate worth a visit if you are in Zagreb?
Yes. It is a small, atmospheric monument in the Upper Town that combines medieval defence history with a living place of prayer, and it is easy to include in a walk.
Also nearby
Lotrščak Tower
Zagreb · medieval tower, thieves' bell and daily noon cannon
200 m away
Well of Life
Zagreb · Meštrović's circle of bronze figures around a well
750 m away
Mirogoj Cemetery
Zagreb · arcades, domes and the 'Croatian Pantheon'
2.5 km away
Tomb of the People's Heroes, Zagreb
Zagreb · Yugoslav-era memorial tomb at Mirogoj cemetery
2.5 km away