Information
Landmark: Dolac MarketCity: Zagreb
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Dolac Market, Zagreb, Croatia, Europe
Overview
The Lotrščak Tower, or Kula Lotrščak in Croatian, stands proudly in Zagreb’s Upper Town, its stone walls and watchful windows making it one of the city’s most treasured and well-preserved landmarks.The tower, built in the 13th century, carries centuries of history in its stone walls and gives you sweeping views of the city from the windy observation deck.With its deep history and living traditions, it’s a place you can’t skip in Zagreb-stop in and you might hear church bells echo through the old streets.In the mid-13th century, builders raised Lotrščak Tower as part of Zagreb’s southern wall to guard the Gradec gate, a main way into the medieval city.Its name comes from the Latin *campana latrunculorum*-“thief’s bell”-and each night the tower’s bell rang out, echoing over cobblestone streets to mark the closing of the gates.If you were caught outside after the gates closed, you were deemed unsafe-a strict rule that showed just how much the medieval city valued security.Over the centuries, the tower shifted from fortress to cultural landmark, gaining a clock, a cannon, and eventually an observation deck where the wind still tugs at your coat as you take in sweeping views of Zagreb.Standing about 19 meters tall, it commands both the Upper and Lower Towns.Since 1877, the Grič Cannon has fired at exactly noon, its echo rolling across rooftops to keep the city’s clocks in sync.The boom startles newcomers, but locals just smile-it’s a daily reminder of Zagreb’s history and traditions.Climb to the top, and you’ll see the city stretch out in every direction.From the top, you can spot the red rooftops of the Upper Town, the twin spires of Zagreb Cathedral, and the busy streets and leafy parks below.The climb up the narrow stairs might leave your legs aching, but it’s worth every step.Inside, displays tell the tower’s story, from the firing of the Grič Cannon to the city’s medieval defenses.You’ll find Lotrščak Tower at the edge of the Upper Town, right by the end of the Zagreb Funicular-the shortest in the world.It’s open daily, though the hours change with the season.For the best light on the observation deck, come in the morning or late afternoon; around noon, you can hear the cannon fire, and sunset bathes the city in a golden glow.Entry costs a small fee, with discounts for kids, students, and groups.Nearby, you can stroll to St. Mark’s Church to admire its bright, patterned roof, pass through the Stone Gate for a quiet moment of reflection, browse the poignant Museum of Broken Relationships, or wander lively Tkalčićeva Street for dinner or a drink.Lotrščak Tower’s 19th‑century clock and ceremonial cannon are woven into Zagreb’s art, stories, and legends-some say the gun once scared off invaders-making it a place where history, tradition, and sweeping views meet.Whether you’re drawn to its medieval roots, curious to hear the sharp boom of the Grič Cannon echo across the hills, or just eager to take in Zagreb’s skyline from high above, it’s a stop you can’t skip when exploring the Croatian capital.
