Rokov Perivoj Zagreb
From cemetery to Croatian Parnassus
Mirna from Zagreb
Roko's park is a delightful tranquil oasis, situated on a hill connecting the Lower and Upper town, above bustling Ilica. It's named after the chapel of St. Roko, erected in mid-17th century by the citizens of Gradec as a votive chapel against the plague.
During its long and intriguing history, the hill has served many purposes: it's been an area where citizens of Gradec had their vineyards and orchards; a cemetery; a neglected pasture for cattle, even a secret meeting place where high-school boys would light their first cigarette...
Finally, an urban plan to turn the neglected cemetery into a public park was drawn in the early 20th century, when the construction of valuable urban villas started and when the hill became the Parnassus of Croatian fin-de-siècle art. Famous artists lived here, like the sculptor Frangeš, whose house was a favourite meeting place of the artistic elite, and one of the cultural centres of Zagreb, a real refined "salon". As you stroll down Rokov perivoj street, you will see lovely art nouveau details on houses. Villa Frangeš and Villa Auer are particularly valuable.
In the centre of the hill's plateau, there's an enchanting park with Frangeš' fountain-sculpture called "Elegy", featuring a nude lady, which at the time of its making was too controversial to be placed in a public park, so it had to wait 82 years, till 1994, to reach this place.
Roko's park is one of my favourite places to stroll and get immersed in this poetic and Arcadian atmosphere.
Zagreb Spotter Mirna
About this spot
Rokov perivoj
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Our Zagreb City Guide
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb
Lake Jarun
Let's go to the beach!
"Lake Jarun" has grown to become one of the greenest jewels in Zagreb. It's great to drop by the water for all kinds of sports & activities all-year-round.
by
Nevena
Mikec
Savski Nasip
Tamed river and wild nature
"Savski Nasip" is one good thing the 1964 flood left Zagreb with; more and more people visit the Bank for jogging, relaxing... Nowadays it's full of life.
by
Nevena
Mikec
Tunel Grič
Undercity experience
"Tunel Grič" in Zagreb was built during WWII. I don't like small, narrow spaces, but this tunnel doesn't make me uncomfortable, only curious...
by
Nevena
Mikec
Hendrick's Garden
Having drinks in a tree house
"Hendrick's Garden" Zagreb is truly the most unusual place and bar. It's a beautiful, hidden garden with a tree house. It's a little piece of green heaven!
by
Nevena
Mikec
Stube Bartola Felbingera
Stairway to heaven
"Stube Bartola Felbingera" Zagreb is a staircase that leads from Downtown to the Upper Town. Not many tourists come here, even though the views are great!
by
Nina
Lalić
OAZA Joyful Kitchen
Eat healthy and do good
"OAZA Joyful Kitchen" in Zagreb is all vegan, not too expensive nor pretentious at all! A resturant that promotes sustainability in the center? Yes please!
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
bio&bio cafe
Organic inspiration
"bio&bio cafe" in Zagreb offers organic and vegan coffee creations along with salty and sweet snacks to go. I love coming here after my dance classes...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Taquitos Bandidos
Mexican street midnight snacks
"Taquitos Bandidos" in Zagreb has set the new standards for street food in the city. I definitely recommend trying their vegetarian quesadillas...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Sedmica
Smoky artsy little bar
"Sedmica" in Zagreb is a cult spot in the city and has been so for more than 25 years. It's an after-work bar for writers, photographers, film-makers...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Dokukino
Indulge in an overdose of documentaries
Dokukino has been bringing joy to cinephiles since 2009 when it opened in the space of KIC (Cultural and Information Centre). The cinema has only 70 seats, so the atmosphere is really homey.
by
Mirna
Marić
Vrapčak Promenade
Nature cuts into concrete
The "Vrapčak Promenade" is one of my favorite places in Zagerb to take a break from work, escape from the noise and the ever-spreading city landscape...
by
Nina
Lalić
Heading to Zagreb?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Zagreb
Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb
As featured on:
