Selfies with Famous Croats - Statues Around Zagreb as Props for Your Instagram Pictures
I assume you will agree with me that there is a considerable number of statues in Zagreb. But what if I tell you that they all have beautiful stories behind them that have been carrying Croatian heritage throughout the years? Here is why some of them are a must-have selfie!
Join the club and take a selfie with a man of letters!
There is no Zagrebian who doesn’t have a photo with Antun Gustav Matoš. This is one of the most popular statues in Zagreb, and if you go for a walk along the Strossmayer Promenade it is hard to miss this famous Croatian writer that is sitting all day long, watching over his favourite city and waiting just for your hug or a small talk.
Image Credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Matoš used to describe himself as a "cello player, journalist, and a man of letters" and during his life, he wrote dozens of published and unpublished works. This statue was placed in 1978 by a famous contemporary sculptor - Ivan Kožarić, and since then it has been one of the most interesting statues in Zagreb. Kožarić wanted to put Matoš in a context of everyday life – Matoš is sitting on a bench and his focused look on the city makes every passenger stop for a minute and dive into the city.
So why selfie with Matoš?
Because he was not only one of the best-loved poem writers but also a dreamer. This place is ideal for romantics, lovers or those who just want to sit on his lap, hug him and take a lifetime selfie. Also, keep in mind that some kids are afraid of this statue due to Matoš grumpy look. Although his look might scare you, he doesn’t bite!
Marija Jurić Zagorka knows where the best nightlife is!
Near Ban Jelačić Square, in one of the busiest streets at weekends - Tkalčićeva Street, the first Croatian female journalist and feminist is remembered forever. It’s hard not to notice her because she perfectly fits into Tkalčićeva rush.
Image Credit: PIXSELL, Sanjin Strukic
She was made and placed in Tkalčićeva by Stjepan Gračan in 1990. Since then, this beautiful woman with her hair pulled up and an umbrella in her hand walks through the street every day and makes passengers feel powerful and proud. Why? Even though she had an unhappy childhood, she was a real rebel that fought not only for her rights but for the rights of other women and workers. She was married to an older Hungarian man, but after a few years, she ran away from him and returned to Zagreb. Here she founded "Woman’s Paper" and published nineteen novels. Today, she is still the most read and most popular Croatian female writer.
So why selfie with Zagorka?
She was everything, but a mainstream. Even though her date of birth and death are still unknown, we know that she wanted to be a mail carrier. Back in those days, society imposed traditional upbringing on her and because of that she was always miserable and unhappy. Despite that, she was described as a woman with unbreakable will and strong mind. Maybe that’s the reason why she is placed in Tkalča, the street of the youth and optimistic future!
As you can see, Croatia has numerous literary statues which can easily show you how rich and colourful Croatian heritage is. But enough with literature, let’s talk about the sport!
Basketball Mozart frozen in time
If you are just like an average Croatian, then sport must have been one of your first words and Dražen Petrović is one of the shiniest stars.
Image Credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
An ordinary boy from Croatia who shot for the stars and made it! Unfortunately, at the peak of his career, basketball Mozart died in a car accident. He was 28 years old and it was a great loss not only for Croatia but for the entire basketball world. But, as we all know, legends live forever. Next to the Cibona Tower, in the Dražen Petrović Basketball Hall, you can take a selfie with four metres high statue of legendary Dražen Petrović.
So why selfie with Petrović?
By the end of the 1980s, he joined the NBA and besides that, he won two silver medals and one bronze medal in Olympic basketball, a gold and a bronze in the FIBA World Cup…shall I continue? I believe you got a picture - he was a big deal!
There's much more…
Zagreb is proud of all of its statues and as you can see, Croatian heritage is woven by personal stories and successes of many national heroes that lived by the quote of Croatian writer A. B. Šimić: “Čovječe, pazi da ne ideš malen ispod zvijezda.” ("Man, take care, not to go small under the stars.")
Header Image Credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Author: Kristina Rep