St. Catherine's Church

St. Catherine's Church is a Baroque place of worship in Upper Town Zagreb, distinguished by its barrel-vaulted nave and side chapels along the walls. The structure follows Central European patterns of religious architecture with internal supporting buttresses.

Construction began in 1620 by the Jesuit order and was finished by 1632, making it the first Jesuit building in Croatia. Following major fires that struck the structure, local nobles funded restoration efforts.

The interior features medallions from the 1700s depicting scenes from Saint Catherine's life alongside ornate stucco decorations on the walls. These artistic elements shape the visual experience as you move through the space.

Access to the church is available during Mass times, when visitors can view the main altar and the various side chapels inside. It helps to check the schedule beforehand to plan your visit accordingly.

After devastating fires in the middle of the 17th century, a unique funding arrangement emerged where local noble families financed repairs in exchange for displaying their family coats of arms on the walls. These heraldic emblems remain visible reminders of how wealthy families supported the building's survival.