Mirogoj cemetery

Mirogoj Cemetery is one of Zagreb's most distinctive cultural sights - part cemetery, part landscaped park and part open-air sculpture gallery. Founded in 1876, it is best known for Hermann Bollé's monumental arcades and domes, as well as the graves of many important Croatian writers, artists, politicians, scientists and athletes.

2026 visitor update: Mirogoj Cemetery is open, but the historic Bollé arcade complex is still awaiting full restoration after damage from the 2020 Zagreb earthquakes. Scaffolding and safety restrictions remain in parts of the architectural complex, so do not expect normal access through every section of the famous arcades. Follow current signs and barriers when visiting.

Mirogoj Cemetery quick overview

Is Mirogoj worth visiting?

Yes. Mirogoj is one of the most unusual sights in Zagreb, particularly if you are interested in architecture, sculpture or Croatian history.

It is still worth visiting in 2026 even though the famous arcades have not yet returned to normal public use. The cemetery itself remains open, and visitors can explore its tree-lined avenues, monuments, historic graves and extensive open-air collection of funerary sculpture.

Allow around 45-75 minutes for a general visit. If you are looking for specific graves or have a particular interest in Croatian sculpture and history, you can easily spend longer.

Can you visit the Mirogoj arcades in 2026?

The cemetery is open, but the historic arcades remain affected by damage from the 2020 Zagreb earthquakes and have not yet undergone full restoration.

As of 2026, the wider Bollé complex remains surrounded by restoration infrastructure and safety restrictions in affected areas. The Church of Christ the King and parts of the arcades have also suffered additional weather damage since the earthquakes.

You can still appreciate the monumental exterior, green domes, ivy-covered walls and overall architecture, but you should not plan a visit on the assumption that every part of the covered arcades will be freely accessible.

Restoration planning is ongoing and the project is expected to take several years once full works begin.

What to see at Mirogoj Cemetery

Mirogoj covers a large landscaped area, so the experience is about much more than the famous arcades.

Hermann Bollé's arcades and domes

The monumental arcades are Mirogoj's architectural signature. Designed by German-born architect Hermann Bollé, construction began in 1879 and continued over several decades.

The long neo-Renaissance complex of arcades, pavilions and green domes creates an almost fortress-like facade from outside the cemetery. Even while access is restricted, the exterior remains one of Zagreb's most impressive examples of Historicist architecture.

Open-air sculpture

Mirogoj is often described as an open-air art gallery because many of Croatia's leading sculptors created tombs and memorials here.

Artists represented at Mirogoj include:

• Ivan Rendić
• Robert Frangeš-Mihanović
• Rudolf Valdec
• Ivan Meštrović
• Antun Augustinčić
• Frano Kršinić
• Vanja Radauš

The sculptures range from traditional portrait monuments to large symbolic and modernist works, making Mirogoj one of the best places in Zagreb to see Croatian sculpture outside a museum.

Tree-lined avenues and landscaped grounds

Mirogoj was designed as more than a burial ground. Trees, paths, gardens and landscaped sections give much of the cemetery the atmosphere of a quiet park.

The peaceful setting is part of its appeal, but remember that Mirogoj remains an active cemetery where funerals and family visits take place every day.

Famous people buried at Mirogoj

Mirogoj is the final resting place of many prominent figures from Croatian political, cultural, scientific and sporting history.

Among the better-known names are:

• Franjo Tuđman - first president of independent Croatia
• Ljudevit Gaj - leader of the Croatian National Revival
• Miroslav Krleža - writer and intellectual
• Marija Jurić Zagorka - writer and pioneering journalist
• August Šenoa - novelist and poet
• Tin Ujević - poet
• Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić - author
• Vatroslav Lisinski - composer
• Eduard Slavoljub Penkala - inventor
• Dražen Petrović - basketball player
• Hermann Bollé - architect of Mirogoj's arcades

Many other artists, politicians, academics, military figures and public personalities are buried throughout the cemetery.

History of Mirogoj Cemetery

Before Mirogoj opened, Zagreb used several smaller cemeteries connected with different neighbourhoods, religious communities and social groups. By the 1860s, many of these burial grounds had become overcrowded as the city grew.

The origins of Mirogoj are closely connected with Ljudevit Gaj, one of the leading figures of the Croatian National Revival. Gaj acquired land on the wooded slopes north of Zagreb and developed it as a landscaped private estate.

After Gaj's death in 1872, the City of Zagreb purchased the property and retained the name Mirogoj.

The new cemetery officially opened on 6 November 1876.

A cemetery for different religious communities

One of Mirogoj's historically important features was its role as a shared municipal cemetery rather than a burial ground belonging exclusively to one religious community.

Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish and Protestant sections were established within the cemetery, with each community permitted to conduct its own burial rites.

This makes Mirogoj an unusually broad record of Zagreb's social and cultural history, reflecting the different communities that helped shape the city.

Hermann Bollé and the Mirogoj arcades

Construction of the first arcades began in 1879 according to plans by Hermann Bollé, who became one of the most influential architects working in Zagreb during the late 19th century.

The arcades were expensive and took decades to complete. The northern and southern sections developed gradually, creating the long sequence of covered passages and domed pavilions that became Mirogoj's defining architectural feature.

Bollé also designed other buildings within the complex. The central entrance and Church of Christ the King were completed after his death, in 1929.

The arcades survived Zagreb's destructive 1880 earthquake remarkably well, but the earthquakes of 2020 caused serious structural and decorative damage to the complex.

Mirogoj after the 2020 Zagreb earthquake

The earthquakes that struck Zagreb in 2020 caused extensive damage to Mirogoj's historic architecture. Decorative elements, roofs, walls, arcades and the Church of Christ the King were among the affected parts of the complex.

Emergency stabilisation was carried out at the most dangerous points, but the complete restoration has progressed slowly. In 2026, project documentation for the arcades and church had been completed, while comprehensive reconstruction had still not begun.

The historic complex also suffered additional damage during severe storms in March 2026, when hundreds of trees were damaged or uprooted across Mirogoj and some monuments and architectural elements were affected.

The cemetery remains open, but respect all fences, scaffolding and temporary safety restrictions.

Mirogoj opening hours and admission

Admission to Mirogoj Cemetery is free.

How to get to Mirogoj Cemetery

Mirogoj lies north of Zagreb's historic centre on the lower slopes of Medvednica.

Bus 106 from Kaptol

The easiest public-transport option for most visitors is bus 106 from Kaptol, which runs on the Kaptol-Mirogoj-Krematorij route.

Kaptol is within easy walking distance of Ban Jelačić Square and Zagreb Cathedral, making bus 106 straightforward to combine with sightseeing in the historic centre.

Bus 226 also serves the wider Mirogoj and Remete area.

By tram and on foot

You can also take tram 14 toward Mihaljevac, leave at Gupčeva zvijezda and continue uphill along Mirogojska Street.

This option involves roughly a kilometre of uphill walking and is less convenient than bus 106 for most visitors.

Walking from central Zagreb

Walking from the historic centre generally takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace.

The route climbs steadily toward Mirogoj, so using bus 106 is usually more comfortable during hot weather or if you have limited mobility.

By car

Parking is available near Mirogoj's main entrance. Availability can be limited during funerals and especially around All Saints' Day.

Getting around Mirogoj

The cemetery is large. Zagreb City Cemeteries currently provides a free electric-vehicle transport service for visitors who have difficulty walking.

The service operates from the area in front of the main entrance and is particularly useful for older visitors or anyone trying to reach graves farther inside the cemetery.

Visiting Mirogoj respectfully

Mirogoj is a cultural attraction, but first and foremost it is an active cemetery. Visitors are welcome, but basic consideration is important.

• Keep voices low around funerals and mourners.
• Do not photograph funeral ceremonies or grieving families without permission.
• Do not touch, climb on or lean against monuments.
• Respect fences, scaffolding and areas closed for restoration.
• Keep pathways clear and allow funeral processions to pass.
• Remember that many people are visiting family graves rather than sightseeing.

Mirogoj on All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day on November 1 is one of the most important times of year at Mirogoj. Families visit graves with flowers and candles, and after dark thousands of lights create a remarkable atmosphere throughout the cemetery.

The cemetery has extended opening hours from October 31 through November 2, but this is also an extremely busy period with altered traffic and public-transport arrangements.

For visitors, it can be a memorable time to see Mirogoj, but it is primarily a period of remembrance for local families and should be approached respectfully.

Explore Zagreb with a visit to Mirogoj

Mirogoj is outside the main concentration of central Zagreb sights, so a guided city tour that specifically includes the cemetery can be convenient if you want to combine it with the Upper Town and other major landmarks.

More things to see in Zagreb

Mirogoj offers a very different experience from Zagreb's central museums and historic streets. For more ideas, see our complete guide to Zagreb attractions.

Address and official information

Mirogoj Cemetery
Aleja Hermana Bollea 27
10000 Zagreb
Croatia

Official information: Zagreb City Cemeteries - Mirogoj