King Tomislav Square (Trg Kralja Tomislava), Zagreb
City Park & Monument · Zagreb, Croatia
Discover Trg Kralja Tomislava
Trg Kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav Square), also known simply as Tomislavac or Tomislavov trg, is one of the most beautiful and prominent urban parks in Zagreb, Croatia. Located right across from the Main Railway Station (Glavni kolodvor), it welcomes visitors with the elegant yellow Art Pavilion and a majestic equestrian monument to King Tomislav, the first King of Croatia. It is the southern gateway of Lenuci's Green Horseshoe, a popular meeting place and a masterpiece of 19th-century landscape architecture.
Visit Tips
- A great place to relax right after arriving at the Main Railway Station.
- Perfect for photography, especially with the Art Pavilion and the monument in the background.
- In winter, the square often hosts the magical ice rink of Advent in Zagreb.
- Easily accessible by tram, and surrounded by beautiful historic architecture.
Highlights
- King Tomislav Equestrian Monument (1938–1947)
- Art Pavilion backdrop (Umjetnički paviljon, 1898)
- Beautiful floral displays and shaded lawns
- Southern gateway of Zagreb's Green Horseshoe
Landmarks Around the Square
When visiting Trg Kralja Tomislava, you can easily explore the surrounding landmarks of Zagreb's Green Horseshoe, including Zrinjevac Park and Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Jelačića), as well as the Croatian National Theatre and the Botanical Garden.
About Trg Kralja Tomislava
Basic Information
Official Name
Trg Kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav Square)
Attraction Type
City Park
Google Rating
4.8 (7,561)
Contact Phone
N/A
Accessibility
Accessible
Plus Code
RX4H+JF Zagreb, Croatia
Address
Trg Kralja Tomislava 10, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Visiting Hours
Park Access
Open 24 hours daily
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Vibrant floral displays
Summer: Relaxing on the lawns
Best Time to Visit
Autumn: Beautiful foliage colours
Winter: Ice skating park during Advent
Enjoy the park at sunset for the best lighting against the Art Pavilion and the monument.
Admission Information
Park Admission
Free public access
Parking
Public paid parking nearby
Guided Tours
Included in many city walking tours
Weather & Forecast
Live conditions at the square and the 5-day outlook
How to Get Here
From Main Square (Ban Jelačić)
A short 10–15 minute walk south through the parks of the Green Horseshoe, or two tram stops on lines 6 or 13.
From Zagreb Airport
Take the airport shuttle bus to the main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor), then tram lines 2 or 6 a few stops to Glavni kolodvor.
From Main Train Station
Located immediately opposite the main entrance – just cross the street and you are on the square.
Public Transport
Tram lines 2, 4, 6, 9 and 13 stop directly at 'Glavni kolodvor' (Main Station), right next to the square.
Walking
Easily walkable from all central Zagreb locations; the square lies on the main pedestrian axis of the Lower Town.
Driving
Follow signs to Glavni kolodvor. Street parking is limited; use the nearby public garages.
Accessibility
A park that welcomes everyone
Wheelchair Access
Flat paved pathways across the whole park; the monument and Art Pavilion are reached at ground level.
Pushchair Friendly
Smooth, wide paths suit strollers; the route from the station tram stop is step-free.
Tram & Train
Tram stops and the station entrance sit right beside the square, with level boarding on most routes.
Rest & Shade
Benches, shaded lawns and accessible public toilets are available at the neighbouring station.
Trg Kralja Tomislava is an open public space with level, paved paths throughout.
About Trg Kralja Tomislava
History & Heritage
The square is named after Tomislav, crowned the first King of Croatia in 925. Its urban design dates to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city was expanding southwards towards the new railway station. The iconic equestrian statue of King Tomislav, created by sculptor Robert Frangeš-Mihanović, was completed in 1938 and finally unveiled in October 1947, honouring the millennium of the Croatian Kingdom.
The King Tomislav Monument
The bronze equestrian statue faces the railway station, so every arriving traveller meets the king first. Tomislav (d. c. 928) united the Croatian duchies, repelled the Magyar invasions and was crowned the first king of the Croatian Kingdom in 925. The statue was modelled by Frangeš-Mihanović in 1938, but its unveiling was delayed by disputes and the Second World War until 1947.
Location & Landscape
Situated in the Lower Town of Zagreb, the square forms the southern end of Lenuci's Green Horseshoe – a U-shaped chain of squares and parks designed by city planner Milan Lenuci. The square features meticulously maintained lawns, colourful flower beds and shaded pathways, with the historicist Glavni kolodvor railway station (1892) closing the vista to the south.
Architecture & Surroundings
The northern end of the square is dominated by the Art Pavilion (Umjetnički paviljon), an elegant yellow exhibition hall originally built for the 1896 Budapest Millennium Exhibition and re-erected in Zagreb in 1898. Around the square stand classicist and secessionist buildings that define Zagreb's Lower Town, including the Croatian State Archives and the Hotel Esplanade (1925).
Urban Significance
As part of the protected historical urban ensemble of Zagreb, Trg Kralja Tomislava plays a central role in the city's social and cultural life. It frequently hosts open-air concerts, exhibitions and cultural events, and it is the classic first sight of Zagreb for travellers arriving by train.
Events & Advent
During Advent in Zagreb – repeatedly voted one of Europe's best Christmas markets – the square has hosted the Zagreb Ice Park, a large outdoor skating rink surrounded by lights and stalls. In summer it turns into a green oasis for concerts, picnics and relaxation.
History in a Timeline
From a Croatian king to a beloved city park
A kingdom is born
Tomislav is crowned the first King of Croatia with papal blessing. Around 928 he dies, and the cause of his death remains a mystery to this day.
The railway arrives
The first train enters Zagreb (then about 40,000 inhabitants), connecting the city with Vienna and Budapest and shaping the future railway quarter.
Glavni kolodvor opens
The historicist Main Railway Station, designed by Hungarian railway engineer Ferenc Pfaff, is completed and closes the southern side of the future square.
The Art Pavilion arrives
Built for the Budapest Millennium Exhibition, the metal-frame Art Pavilion is dismantled, shipped by train to Zagreb and re-opened in 1898 as Croatia's first purpose-built exhibition hall.
Monument to King Tomislav
Sculptor Robert Frangeš-Mihanović completes the equestrian statue in 1938. After years of disputes and the Second World War, the monument is finally unveiled in October 1947.
Zagreb's green living room
The square hosts concerts, markets and the Advent ice park. For generations of travellers, the view of the statue, the Art Pavilion, the cathedral towers and Medvednica hill is the first postcard of Zagreb.
Stories & Legends
Tales behind the square
A thousand years for one statue
The equestrian statue of King Tomislav was completed in 1938, but the unveiling was postponed again and again – first by long disputes over its design and placement, then by the Second World War. The monument finally reached its pedestal in October 1947.
The pavilion that came by train
The Art Pavilion was originally built for the 1896 Budapest Millennium Exhibition. After the fair it was dismantled, loaded onto trains and re-erected on Trg Kralja Tomislava, opening in 1898 with a grand exhibition of contemporary artists.
The first sight of Zagreb
For generations, the first thing travellers see when leaving Glavni kolodvor is the king on horseback, the yellow Art Pavilion, the cathedral towers and the green slopes of Medvednica – the classic arrival postcard of Zagreb.
Tomislavac – the people's name
Locals rarely say the full name: the square is simply 'Tomislavac' or 'Tomislavov trg'. It is the southern gate of Lenuci's Green Horseshoe, where the Lower Town's chain of parks begins – or ends.
Winter magic: the Ice Park
During Advent in Zagreb, the square often turns into a large open-air skating rink. Ice skaters glide beneath the king's statue while the Art Pavilion glows behind the festive lights – a picture that has made Zagreb famous across Europe.
The mystery of the king's death
King Tomislav, who united Croatia, died around 928 – barely three years after his coronation. Chronicles do not explain how or why he died, and to this day the mystery fuels legends about the man the square is named after.
Facilities Nearby
What you will find around Trg Kralja Tomislava
Restrooms
Public toilets are available in the station area
Parking
Paid street and garage parking nearby
Cafés & Restaurants
Cafés, bakeries and restaurants on the square and in the Lower Town
Hotels
Hotels along the square and the surrounding streets
Shops
Shops and supermarkets in the nearby streets
Fuel & EV Charging
Fuel stations and electric vehicle chargers in the wider city centre
Pharmacy & Medical
Pharmacies and medical facilities within walking distance
ATMs & Banks
ATMs and bank branches throughout the Lower Town
Public Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi hotspots are available across Zagreb's city centre
Family Friendly
Wide paved paths and lawns make the park comfortable for children and prams
This list only mentions types of services available in the area and does not recommend any specific businesses.
Nearby Attractions
What to combine with your visit
Zrinjevac Park
450 m · 6 min walkThe next green link of the Green Horseshoe, famous for its plane trees, fountains and the 19th-century meteorological column.
Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Jelačića)
850 m · 11 min walkZagreb's main square and meeting point, with the statue of Ban Josip Jelačić and the start of the pedestrian shopping street Ilica.
Croatian National Theatre (HNK)
1.1 km · 14 min walkA magnificent neo-baroque theatre building further along the Green Horseshoe, with guided tours and a rich performance programme.
Zagreb Main Station (Glavni kolodvor)
Across the streetThe 1892 historicist station building is right opposite the square – convenient arrival and departure point for your visit.
Botanical Garden
700 m · 9 min walkA green oasis in the Lower Town with thousands of plant species, ponds and a small glasshouse (seasonal opening).
Museum of Arts and Crafts
1 km · 13 min walkOne of Zagreb's most beautiful secessionist buildings, displaying applied arts and design collections in a historicist interior.
Explore More
Dedicated guides to the monument, the surroundings and the seasons of Trg Kralja Tomislava.
King Tomislav Monument
The bronze equestrian statue that gives the square its name.
Read guide →Things to Do Nearby
Zrinjevac, Ban Jelačić Square, the Main Station and more – all within a short walk.
Read guide →Green Horseshoe Walk
A self-guided walking route along Lenuci’s chain of parks and squares.
Read guide →Advent in Zagreb
The square hosts Zagreb’s Ice Park during the award-winning Advent season.
Read guide →Recommended Route
A classic walk along the eastern arm of the Green Horseshoe, from the station to the heart of the Lower Town.
Arrive at Glavni kolodvor (Main Railway Station) and cross the street
Admire the King Tomislav equestrian monument facing the station
Stroll through the central lawns and flower beds of the park
Take photos in front of the yellow Art Pavilion
Continue north along the Green Horseshoe to Zrinjevac Park
Finish at Ban Jelačić Square and the historic Upper Town
Photo Gallery
The Beauty of Trg Kralja Tomislava
Park view with the Art Pavilion
Monument and Pavilion
Floral displays
King Tomislav Monument
Winter Ice Park
Summer lawns
Art Pavilion close-up
Square overview
Visitor Reviews
Reviews can be viewed via Google Maps.
Absolutely stunning park! The view of the Art Pavilion from the monument is breathtaking. A must-visit in Zagreb.
Incredible city park with beautiful flowers. It's so relaxing to just sit here on a sunny afternoon.
The ice skating park during winter is magical. Such a great atmosphere!
Beautiful park right by the train station. Great first impression of the city.
A wonderful piece of urban architecture. The whole Green Horseshoe area is fantastic.
One of the best public spaces in Zagreb. Very well maintained and photogenic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the opening hours of Trg Kralja Tomislava?
As a public city park, Trg Kralja Tomislava is open 24/7, free of charge. However, the nearby Art Pavilion and other attractions have their own specific visiting hours.
Q:Is there an entrance fee?
No. The park, the monument and the lawns are completely free and open to the public at all times.
Q:Are there guided tours available?
The park itself doesn't offer official tours, but many Zagreb city walking tours – especially those covering the Green Horseshoe – include Trg Kralja Tomislava in their itineraries.
Q:Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The square features flat, paved pathways that are fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers. The nearest tram stops are right at the station.
Q:How do I get from the Main Railway Station to the square?
Simply walk out of the station's main entrance – the square is directly opposite, just across the street. Tram lines 2, 4, 6, 9 and 13 stop at 'Glavni kolodvor'.
Q:Is the Advent ice rink really on this square?
During Advent in Zagreb, the square has hosted the Zagreb Ice Park – a large open-air skating rink. Availability and dates change every season, so check the official Advent in Zagreb programme.
Q:Can I visit the Art Pavilion on the square?
You can admire the historic Art Pavilion (Umjetnički paviljon, 1898) from the square – its elegant yellow façade is one of Zagreb's most photographed buildings. Interior visits and current opening hours depend on its restoration and exhibition programme, so please check the official Art Pavilion website (umjetnicki-paviljon.hr) before planning a visit.
Q:Are dogs allowed in the park?
Yes. As a public park, Trg Kralja Tomislava generally welcomes dogs on a lead. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it, as in any Zagreb park.
Q:Can I sit on the grass or have a picnic?
The lawns are open for sitting and relaxing during the day. Please keep off the flower beds, use the bins provided and leave the grass as you found it.
Q:Is the square safe at night?
Trg Kralja Tomislava is a well-lit public space in the city centre and is generally considered safe at night. As anywhere in a large city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep to well-used routes.
Sources
Official and authoritative references
- Zagreb Tourist Board – Trg kralja Tomislavawww.infozagreb.hr/hr/istrazi-zagreb/atrakcije/trgovi/trg-kralja-tomislava
- City of Zagreb (Grad Zagreb)www.zagreb.hr/
- Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ)croatia.hr/
- Art Pavilion Zagreb (Umjetnički paviljon)umjetnicki-paviljon.hr/
- HAZU – The Equestrian Statue of King Tomislavkraljtomislav.hazu.hr/en-naslovna/
- Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatiaregistar.kulturnadobra.hr/#/
Information compiled from official and public sources. Always check official pages for the latest opening times and events.