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.
Rokov perivoj
€
free
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Maksimir stairs" in Zagreb are located in the biggest park of Southeast Europe - a great place to go on an extensive jog or for a breath of fresh air...
by
"Galerija Link" in Zagreb is a design-oriented souvenir shop that has such great decorative and useful items, I often come here to shop for myself, too!
by
Botanical Garden in Zagreb may not sound like the most exciting proposition, but I love coming here for the events and the quiet from the city noise...
by
Ribice i Tri Točkice Zagreb makes some of the best value-for-money seafood in the city. It's my first choice to eat fish, and I love the joyous ambience.
by
Petras Atelier in central Zagreb is based on the artworks by a creative mother-daughter duo. I come here for original gifts though, I like just browsing!
by
Kavana Lav Zagreb is situated in a former palace and still has a gallery. Almost never crowded, together with its balcony it's peaceful & quiet...
by
Zagreb's Museum of Contemporary Art took many years to be completed, but it's well worth it. I come here to rediscover classics or catch cultural events.
by
The food is delicious - from hearty seasonal soups and crispy fried potatoes to their staple Wiener Tafelspitz, everything is fresh and very tasty.
by
Breadclub is an artisanal bakery in Zagreb. It sounds like an exaggeration, but believe me, everything is delicious here - it's always hard to choose...
by
Program Bar in Zagreb has superb coffee and some offbeat decoration. This cafe has become one of my favorites for long, relaxing sessions with friends...
by
Hotel Jägerhorn's Cafe in Zagreb is located in a small passage, near the main square. It has a beautiful terrace with great view & delicious coffee!
by
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips