Close Your Eyes and Make a Wish

While I was passing by some of the Zagrebian fountains, they made me think about some old traditions. As they were craving for changes, people in the past were throwing coins in wells and fountains to make their wishes come true. At first, it was all about praying to gods, because it was believed that the clean water in wells and fountains came down from heaven. Later on, that idea remained, so small statues of gods were made within the fountains.

When in Rome, there is no chance you won't visit the famous Trevi Fountain and make a wish. Throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain became some kind of tradition for all kinds of people. You haven't been in Rome if you haven't made your wish there.

I realized that tourists visiting Zagreb don't have that kind of tradition. The first thing that pops into their minds when they remember their visit is not the fountain, but travelling by trams, climbing to Upper town and passing by many Zagrebian gardens. Maybe that's something that needs to change because Zagreb has many wonderful fountains.

Image credit: Love Zagreb, Ivan Luzar

Manduševac

Manduševac is situated on the Zagreb's central square and in the past, it was the main source of fresh water for most of the Zagrebians. The usage of the fountain changed through decades, so now it is used as a refreshment during warm summer days and as a Christmas wreath during winter.

As we already wrote, there are some legends connected with the fountain. Firstly, it had a big role in the founding of the city. Secondly, there is a common belief that tossing a coin in the fountain will make your wish come true.

It is also believed that if you drink the water from Manduševac, the fountain will put a spell on you and you will always come back to Zagreb, no matter what.

Holy Mary Monument

When visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, the first thing that you will see in front of it is a golden and shiny sculpture. It represents Holy Mary surrounded by four angels symbolizing faith, hope, innocence, and humility. Below the statue you can see Hermans Bollé's fountain from 1873. Because of its beauty and being the most picturesque statue in the center of the city, the statue is adored by many tourists.

The Well of Life

This amazing piece of art is designed by a sculptor Ivan Meštrović and is situated in front of the Croatian National Theatre building. The well represents a source of life surrounded by a couple of human figures.

All of the figures show different emotions depending on their reasons to use the well. Younger statues show positive emotions, kiss and hug, but the older ones look nostalgically in the centre of the well, as they remember the past.

Image credit: Petra Kaić

The Twins and the Mushroom

We could write all day and night about the beauty of Nikola Šubić Zrinski's Square. It is surrounded by a beautiful tree avenue, green lands, musical pavilion in the centre and three fountains – the Twins and the Mushroom.

When the Mushroom fountain was made in 1893, at first, it was thought to be unsuccessful because a part of the garden was flooded. Later on, it was improved and only a year later the garden was upgraded with two more fountains, the so-called Twins.

All of these elements that are in perfect synergy are equally loved by the tourists and locals in every season.

Fountains near National and University Library

The newest fountains built in Zagreb are situated near the National and University Library in Zagreb and they represent the sequence of the Lenuci Horseshoe.

What makes these fountains even more beautiful are their lights used to evoke the importance of some event. For example, in memory of all the terrorism victims in France Zagrebians colored fountain lights in France flag colors and in memory of Vukovar war victims, from lights they made Vučedol dove - the symbol of Vukovar.

Fountain in front of the hotel Esplanade

This fountain is located on Ante Starčević's Square, near Zagreb Central Station and Hotel Esplanade. It is set in a circle in front of the hotel and it makes a beautiful view depending on the weather. The fountain is surrounded by benches and trees and is a nice spot to get away from the crowd and traffic.

Image credit: Petra Kaić

The Fisher

This fountain is situated in Zagreb's Upper town and it hides an amusing story behind its beginnings. It was made by Serbian sculptor Simeon Roksandić and was made for an exhibit in London.

The fun fact is that someone by mistake told Roksandić that his sculpture sank with the ship, so he made a new mould and came up with two sculptures that are completely the same – one in Zagreb and one in Serbia.

These are only a few of the fountains in Zagreb that you should see during your visit. Have you ever wished for something and threw a coin into the fountain? Was it a dream that came true? :)

Header image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Author: Petra Kaić