Feb 9, 2025

Rokov Perivoj Zagreb

From cemetery to Croatian Parnassus

""Rokov Perivoj" in Zagreb has a long history of conversions. Nowadays, it's one of my favourite places to stroll and get immersed in a poetic atmosphere..."

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.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Rokov perivoj

free

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zagreb guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb

Krivi-Put

Krivi Put – For reevaluating your life choices

"Krivi put" in Zagreb means 'wrong path', and it's a bar that you might end up in if you've taken plenty of wrong turns in your life...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Botanicar

Botaničar – Art, parties and plants

"Botaničar" in Zagreb is a hip bar that's also a gallery and social club. Let me tell you: spending time here makes you want to invest in houseplants.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Vintage-Industrial

Vintage Industrial – Best tribute band performances

"Vintage Industrial" is a bar/club in Zagreb I remember from my student years. Nowadays I go there for the really great tribute bands that play on weekends

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
dav

Hotel Vila Tina – Brunch and relaxation

"Hotel Vila Tina" is a small hotel in Zagreb, one of the city's hidden jewels. I love coming here for their rich breakfast with family and friends...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Nina

Lalić

Feb 9, 2025
Swanky-Monkey-Garden

Swanky Monkey Garden – Hostel bar that locals adore

"Swanky Monkey Garden" in Zagreb is a local-friendly hostel with a great bar and garden I always enjoy sipping a cocktail at on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Bacchus-Jazz-Bar

Bacchus Jazz Bar – The greenest courtyard

"Bacchus Jazz Bar" in Zagreb is one of my favorite places in the city for a warm, lazy summer evening. The courtyard is completely covered with plants...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Regular.Bar

Regular.Bar – Regularly pleasant

"Regular.Bar" in Zagreb is special. It has this homey feeling the city's backyards share. They even serve free cucumber water. Need I say more?

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Park-Maksimir

Park Maksimir – The oldest but most beautiful!

"Park Maksimir" in Zagreb is more than a park. This is where memories are created, where you see the forest for the first time. So many reasons to love it.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Nevena

Mikec

Feb 9, 2025
dav

Trg Svetog Marka – Zagreb's oldest square

"Trg Svetog Marka", or St. Mark's square, is the heart and soul of Zagreb's Upper Town. Beautiful, quiet and replete with rich history...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Nina

Lalić

Feb 9, 2025
Opatovina

Opatovina – Zagreb's craft beer street

"Opatovina" in Zagreb has old, hipsterish craft beer pubs. It's the city's unofficial beers street! There's even a quite popular beer festival in May.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Vis-a-Vis

Vis à Vis – Sweet and healthy treats

"Vis à Vis" in Zagreb is product of an iconic confectionery shop with lots of vegan and lactose-free options. I strongly encourage you to be adventurous!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Medvedgrad

Medvedgrad – 20 years of Croatian beer history

"Medvedgrad" Zagreb is a beer hall and brewery that has been around for more than 20 years. The beer here is not filtered. My friends and I are regulars...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Hrvoje

Brigljević

Feb 9, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Zagreb?

134 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Zagreb?

134 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!

Our team loves Zagreb

Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb

As featured on: