The King Tomislav Monument
At the heart of Trg Kralja Tomislava stands the bronze equestrian monument to Tomislav, the first King of Croatia. Facing the Main Railway Station, it is the square’s defining landmark and the first thing most travellers see when they arrive in Zagreb by train.
Who was King Tomislav?
Tomislav was crowned the first King of Croatia in 925, with the blessing of the Pope. He united the Croatian duchies, repelled Magyar invasions and laid the foundations of the medieval Croatian kingdom.
He died around 928 – barely three years after his coronation – and the circumstances of his death remain unknown to this day, feeding centuries of legend.
The sculptor and the statue
The monument was created by the Croatian sculptor Robert Frangeš-Mihanović. He modelled the bronze equestrian statue in 1938, capturing the king on horseback in ceremonial dress.
Because the statue faces the railway station, every arriving traveller meets the king first – a deliberate welcome to the city.
Key facts
- •Unveiled in October 1947, nearly a decade after the sculpture was completed
- •Commemorates the millennium of the Croatian Kingdom
- •Made of bronze on a stone pedestal
- •Located at the southern end of the square, facing Glavni kolodvor (Main Station)
- •Designed by Robert Frangeš-Mihanović
Symbolism and meaning
The monument was finally unveiled after years of disputes over its design and placement, and after the interruption of the Second World War. For Zagreb, it is a statement of national identity and a tribute to the ruler who gave the country its royal crown.
Together with the yellow Art Pavilion behind it, the statue forms the classic postcard view of the square.
Right next to the monument
Art Pavilion (Umjetnički paviljon)
Croatia’s first purpose-built exhibition hall, dating from 1898.
Main Railway Station
The 1892 historicist station building stands directly opposite.
Zrinjevac Park
The next green link of the Green Horseshoe, a 6-minute walk north.
The monument in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Who was King Tomislav?
Tomislav was the first King of Croatia, crowned in 925. He united the Croatian duchies and is considered the founder of the medieval Croatian kingdom.
When was the monument unveiled?
The bronze statue was completed in 1938 but unveiled only in October 1947, delayed by disagreements and the Second World War.
Who sculpted the King Tomislav Monument?
It was created by the Croatian sculptor Robert Frangeš-Mihanović.
Can visitors climb or touch the monument?
No. For preservation and safety, please do not climb on the statue or its pedestal. You can photograph it freely from the surrounding lawns.
What is the best spot to photograph the monument?
Stand on the station side of the square at golden hour so the king, the Art Pavilion and the cathedral towers line up in one frame.