Croatian National Theatre, Marshal Tito Square, Zagreb

Croatian National Theatre

Marshal Tito Square, Zagreb

See also: FAM (Familiarization) tour of Croatia

Croatian National Theatre (Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište), Marshal Tito Square (Trg Maršala Tita), Zagreb

Croatian National Theatre (CNT) or Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište (HNK), is located in Marshal Tito Square (Trg Maršala Tita), considered as one of the most beautiful squares of Zagreb.

Croatian National Theatre (CNT), Zagreb

Marshal Tito Square, named after Josip Broz Tito, former president of the Yugoslav Federation, is located on the North West corner of the Lenuci Horseshoe (Lenucijeva potkova).

Lenuci Horseshoe is a U – shaped belt of squares and parks designed by engineer Milan Lenuci, in the late 19th century.

Consisting of six squares, the Lenuci’s Horseshoe forms the core part of Zagreb’s lower town.

The Lenuci’s Horseshoe actually consists of two wings, Western and Eastern, with three squares in each. The two wings are connected by Zagreb’s Botanical Garden.

Croatian National Theatre (CNT), Zagreb

Marshal Tito Square is the largest and greenest of the six squares of Lenuci’s Horseshoe and houses the Croatian National Theatre at its very centre.

Surrounded by lawns embedded with beautiful multi coloured  flower beds, the Croatian National Theatre is one of Zagreb’s most well known landmarks and can be considered only second to the iconic Zagreb’s Cathedral.

The history of the Croatian National Theatre dates back to 1836, when it was housed in the present day old city hall. In 1870, Croatian National Theatre joined hands with an opera company.

Stucco Work, Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb

The present building dates back to 1895 and was designed by well – known Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, who have the distinction of designing more than 40 well known theatres in Europe.

The purpose built building of the Croatian National Theatre was inaugurated by the Austro – Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I on 14 October 1895.

Built in Neo – Baroque style, the frontal portion of the terrace is crowned with semi – nude statues of musicians. At the very centre is the Croatian Coat of Arms flanked on either side by two musicians.

Statues of Musicians atop Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb

The Croatian National Theatre happens to be one of the few buildings in Zagreb which is beautifully illuminated at night.

Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb at night

With richly decorated interiors (something I missed), the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb also houses opera, ballet and drama, all under the same roof.

Croatian National Theatre and Museum of Arts and Crafts, Marshal Tito Square,Zagreb

With a unique mix of classic and contemporary shows, the Croatian National Theatre showcases a blend of Croatian and international works and occupies a central place in the cultural life of Zagreb, Croatia.

Note: I visited Croatia on the invitation of Zagreb Tourism Board (ZTB) and tour was organized by Celabrations!

Related Links:

• Croatian National Theatre

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