Galerija Klovićevi dvori🏛 museum
Art gallery in Zagreb, Croatia. Hosts contemporary and classical art exhibitions.
🌐 gkd.hr🕒 Tu-Su 11:00-19:00
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Stone Gate
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Landmark
The Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) is the last remaining medieval gate of the Gradec settlement, which today forms the historic Upper Town of Zagreb. Built in the 13th century, it originally served as a defensive structure within the city walls. The gate gained profound cultural significance after a catastrophic fire in 1731, which destroyed most of the wooden buildings in the area but left a painting of the Virgin and Child miraculously untouched. Following this event, the passage was converted into a small chapel that has since become a major site of pilgrimage and prayer for locals. The architecture features heavy stone masonry and a distinctive 18th-century wrought iron gate protecting the shrine. The interior walls are lined with votive plaques engraved with expressions of gratitude from the faithful. Positioned at the junction of Radićeva Street, the gate continues to function as a spiritual focal point and a testament to the city's resilience through centuries of change.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Galerija Klovićevi dvori · Palača Zakmardi-Domin · Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria
- Nearby: Velika Gorica (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 60 | 59 | 62 | 92 | 86 | 82 | 83 | 107 | 83 | 80 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Stone Gate is the same historic structure as in the other description - a free, anytime-accessible chapel inside a city gate. It is public and open.
Typical hours
The chapel is open 24/7 as it is outdoors. Early morning is especially quiet for a reflective visit.
Photography
Photograph the icon of the Mother of God through the grating - it is the focal point of the chapel. Avoid loud noises out of respect for praying visitors.
Time needed
A visit to the chapel typically takes no more than 10 minutes. Combined with the surroundings, you can allow 20 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Bloody Well and St. Mark's Square. The churches of St. Catherine and St. Mary are also nearby.
Getting there
The gate is at the end of 'Kamenita vrata' street in the Upper Town, within walking distance from Ban Jelačić Square. The funicular takes you up comfortably.
Insider tip
Drop a coin in the donation box - the proceeds help maintain the chapel. Visit in the afternoon when light streams through the grating.
Geography
Facts
- Built in the 13th century
- Survived the great fire of 1731
- The Mary painting measures 57x44 cm
- Wrought iron gate added in 1758
- Last of the five original city gates
- Located in Zagreb's Upper Town
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Stone Gate (10)
kapela Majke Božje od Kamenitih vrata
Landmark in Zagreb. Chapel with a Marian icon at the Stone Gate.
Palača Erdödy-Keglević🏰 castle
Palace in Zagreb. Historic building near the Upper Town.
Tortureum - Museum of Torture🏛 museum
Museum in Zagreb. Exhibition of historical torture devices and methods.
Baptistička crkva Zagreb
Church building in Zagreb, Croatia. Place of worship for the Baptist community.
Museum of Broken Relationships🏛 museum
Specialized museum in Zagreb, Croatia. Displays personal objects from failed relationships.
Palača Dverce🏰 castle
Palace in Croatia. Historic building in Zagreb's Upper Town.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why are there always candles burning at the Stone Gate?
People light candles to thank the Virgin Mary or to ask for her help.
Are there benches to sit on?
Yes, there are some benches for prayers and visitors inside the gate.
Can you touch the painting of Mary?
No, the painting is protected behind an ornate wrought-iron gate.
Is the Stone Gate accessible?
Yes, it is a ground-level passage and easily accessible.
How far is it to St. Mark's Square?
It is only about a 2-3 minute walk uphill.
Stone Gate: where is it located?
Stone Gate is located in Croatia.
Stone Gate: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galerija Klovićevi dvori, Palača Zakmardi-Domin, Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Stone Gate: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Stone Gate: why is it worth visiting?
The Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) is the last remaining medieval gate of the Gradec settlement, which today forms the historic Upper Town of Zagreb.
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