Big, Bigger, and the Biggest Skyscraper in Zagreb

If we exclude a rich history and culture, Zagreb has the oldest history of building business skyscrapers in the whole of Croatia. In addition to this, the first skyscraper, also known as Ilica skyscraper, was built almost 50 years ago in the heart of the metropolis. Although it is the oldest one, this skyscraper is not the tallest Zagreb's skyscraper. So, do you want to which skyscraper is the highest one? :)

At the beginning of this article, it is important to emphasise that the Croatian capital has several commercial and residential skyscrapers which are very important for the city skyline. Considering the number, it is very difficult to describe all of them but I will start with the one which always leaves me breathless when I look at it at night. And that is Zagrepčanka. :)

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Can you imagine a race up 512 stairs of the skyscraper?

With its 95 metres in height and 27 floors, this office tower, that is located at the intersection of Savska Street and Vukovarska Street, occupies an impressive third place. The most interesting thing about this skyscraper is how it looks. Its architecture reminds us of the famous German skyscraper Thyssenhaus in Düsseldorf. For those who are in good condition and for those who are looking for adrenaline, Zagrepčanka is always a challenge. Why? Because this skyscraper is a host of the stair race against addiction, also known as 'Zagrepčanka 512', where 250 runners participate every year.

Skyscraper that is inspired by the New York skyscraper Lever House

In the vicinity of Zagrebčanka is one of the tallest buildings in Zagreb. It is the Vjesnik skyscraper located on Savska Street. The skyscraper was built in 1972 and it was inspired by the New York skyscraper Lever House that is located in the elite suburb of Manhattan. Although the building was named after the famous and successful newspaper company, many locals call it a chocolate tower because of its orange and brown matt glass. :)

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Building that is resistant to strong earthquakes

However, if you go from Savska Street to Vukovarska Street, you will encounter the second largest building in Croatia. With its modern architecture and a height of 96 metres, the Eurotower won't leave anyone indifferent. :) Eurotower is currently best known as the headquarters of the Zagreb Stock Exchange. The architect is Marijan Hržić, who is also the designer of the Cibona Tower in Zagreb. The skyscraper is 92 metres high, and it comprises many business offices, basketball hall and an art installation. There is also a museum of the best Croatian basketball player Drazen Petrovic at the foot of the tower. The strength of this skyscraper is confirmed by the 26 reinforced concrete pillars that make it resistant to strong earthquakes (earthquakes measuring up to 7.0 on the Richter scale) and a hit of a small aircraft like Cessna.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

The most expensive skyscraper

However if we ignore the height, one of the most expensive Zagreb's skyscrapers is certainly the one in the west part of Zagreb. Its construction cost over 76 million euros. Although it was originally supposed to be 108 metres high and have 29 floors, the skyscraper is, due to the unfavourable economic situation, built as a double tower of 22 floors which are connected between the 2nd and 15th floor. The height of the building is 81 metres. It is the Sky Office Tower which, with its energy conversation and environmental protection concept, ranks alongside the best skyscrapers not just in Europe but in the world, as well.

Now you are surely asking which skyscraper is the highest one in Zagreb. Well, I will not torture you any further. The highest skyscraper in Zagreb is the 'Business centre' on Strojarska Street near the bus station. But it is not only the highest skyscraper in Zagreb, it is also the highest skyscraper in Croatia. 96,15 metres were enough to set this building on the throne of height and it is proclaimed to be the Croatian queen of skyscrapers.

Image credit: Z agreb Eye viewpoint

The Croatian queen of skyscrapers

Although the 'Business centre' on Strojarska Street is the Croatian queen of skyscrapers, I'm sure the Zagreb's queen of skyscrapers is the building from the beginning of the story, the Ilica Skyscraper. This skyscraper that is located in the heart of the metropolis has 17 floors and it is 70 metres high. Whatsmore, this is the first office tower in Croatia. Well, the most interesting thing is the famous viewpoint at the top floor that offers a beautiful panorama of Zagreb. Therefore, do not think a lot and do not worry about the stairs. There is a lift, so you should visit one of these skyscrapers and enjoy Zagreb's sunset.

Header image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Author: Nikolina Jozanović