Planning a visit to Zagreb? Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the Lotrščak Tower. Its medieval allure promises a unique experience above the rooftops of the Croatian capital. Standing 30 meters high, this square tower is a
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you make the most of your visit to this Zagreb landmark.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Lotrščak Tower?
Is the Lotrščak Tower worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Lotrščak Tower is worth a visit for its medieval architecture and 360° panoramic view over Zagreb. The climb up a narrow spiral staircase makes for a somewhat physical experience, and it’s best not to be sensitive to vertigo once you reach the top, but the view is splendid! The daily
Why is the Lotrščak Tower famous?
The tower is famous for its historic role as a medieval watchtower, built in the 13th century to protect the southern gate of Gradec, Zagreb’s old town. It’s also famous for the tradition of the Grički cannon, fired every day at noon since 1877, marking the hour for the locals.
This tower symbolizes the historic heart of Zagreb and bears witness to its defensive past against invaders, notably the Tartars and Ottomans. The bell, hung in 1646, and the addition of a fourth storey in the 19th century reinforce its architectural and cultural importance. We were struck by this combination of living history and urban panorama.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated :
- The cannon shot at noon: a powerful moment of sound that resonates throughout the town, a local tradition going back over 140 years.
- The panoramic view: from the top, the 360° view of Zagreb and the iconic silhouette of St. Mark’s Church touched us deeply.
- Exhibitions: from panels on the history of the tower to black-and-white photographs, all bear witness to the history of Zagreb.
History in brief
- Built in the 13th century to protect the southern gateway to Gradec, Zagreb’s old town.
- Bell hung in 1646 to signal the closing of the city gates.
- Addition of the top 2 floors in the 19th century
- Installation of the Grički cannon in 1877.
How to find us: Lotrščak Tower, Zagreb
Where is the Lotrščak Tower?
The Lotrščak Tower is located at 9 Strossmayerovo šetalište, on the edge of Zagreb’s Old Town.
How to get there?
- The Lotrščak Tower is just a few minutes’ walk from the town center.
- The nearby Zagreb funicular is a convenient option for reaching the tower from the lower districts.
- You can also take the bus: the Katarinin trg stop is less than 50m away.
- Take the streetcar to Josip Jelačic Square, a 10-minute walk away.
Parking
- There is no reserved parking for visitors to the Lotrščak Tower.
- The nearby Tuškanac public garage is the best option for parking your car.
- We advise you to take public transport or walk from the city center for ease of use.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit the Lotrščak Tower is in the morning, to avoid too many people.
- In the evening, the view at sunset is particularly pleasing.
- In summer, crowds can be quite large, especially around midday when the cannon is fired.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow less than 30min for a complete visit, including the climb to the summit.
- Access is via a steep, narrow spiral staircase, with a few steps to the outside.
- The tower is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, and has no toilets or lockers.
- Signage is basic, and suitable footwear is recommended.
Advice on how to visit
During our visit, we went straight to the top to enjoy the 360° panoramic view. On the way back down, we took our time to explore the exhibits and learn more about the history of the cannon and the tower.
Visiting with children
- The tour is suitable for children aged 7 and over, who will appreciate the tradition of the cannon shot at midday and the view over Zagreb.
- The narrow staircase can be difficult for young children.
Schedules and rates
- Open Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 8.00pm, closed on Mondays.
- Annual closures: Christmas, New Year, Easter, All Saints’ Day and November 18 (memorial day for victims of the 90s war).
- Price: €3
- More details on the official website here
Guided tours
- We didn’t see if the tower offered guided tours, or an audioguide.
- However, you can book a walking tour of the city with a guide that includes climbing the tower. See prices, photos and availability and… Book
Catering
- There is no catering directly in the tower, but several restaurants and cafés are nearby.
- To discover the best addresses, consult our selection of restaurants in Zagreb, which will be available soon.
Start of tour: The medieval architecture of the Lotrščak Tower
The fortified facade above the ramparts
The Lotrščak Tower stands proudly with its 30m-high square silhouette, typical of medieval defensive architecture. Built in the 13th century, it served as a watchtower to protect the southern gate of Gradec, Zagreb’s old town. Its massive walls bear witness to its military function, reinforced by its strategic location above the city walls. Inside, the spiral staircase took us to the top.
The emblematic red-tiled roof of the watchtower
Like all the buildings in the old town, the tower’s red-tiled roof contrasts with the sturdiness of its walls. This emblematic roof completes the medieval aspect of the fortification and fits in perfectly with Zagreb’s historic landscape, as we were able to see from the top.
Continuation of the tour: The interior floors of Kula Lotrščak
Zagreb Tourist Office on the first floor
On the first floor of the tower, we found the Zagreb Tourist Office. It was ideal for getting practical information about the city for the rest of our stay and discovering Zagreb’s other must-see sites.
Photographic exhibitions on the 2nd and 3rd floors
The second floor is not open to the public, but the second and third floors house photographic exhibitions telling the story of Zagreb. At the time of our visit, these were old photos offering an interesting insight into the city’s evolution and heritage.
The famous noon gun and the story of the tower on the 4th floor
On the fourth floor, we got a close-up view of the famous Grički cannon, famous for its daily noontime firing. This tradition, which dates back over 140 years, sets the pace for the lives of Zagreb’s inhabitants. We also learned about the medieval history of the tower, built in the 13th century to protect the city.
End of visit: The panoramic summit of the medieval tower
The historic bell tower and its original bell
At the top of the tower, we were able to access the bell tower housing the bell known as the “thieves’ bell” (in Latin campana latrunculorum), installed in the tower in 1646 to signal the nighttime closing of Gradec’s town gates. This ringing reminded inhabitants to return inside the ramparts and illustrates both the defensive and symbolic role of the tower, erected in the XIIIᵉ century to protect Zagreb.
360° view of Zagreb’s rooftops
A narrow wooden staircase led us to the circular terrace with its 360° panoramic view over the roofs of Zagreb. From this vantage point, we had a bird’s-eye view of St. Mark’s Church, with the mountain foothills to the north. This incredible view of the city is a highlight of the visit.
On the south side, we were able to discover the urban panorama of the more recent lower town. We visited at the end of the day, but it was June and, even at 8pm (closing time), the sun hadn’t yet descended enough to enjoy the sunset lights.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the cannon fire at noon every day?
The cannon on Zagreb’s Lotrščak Tower has been firing at noon every day to signal the correct time to residents and church bell ringers since 1877. This tradition has become a local symbol and tourist attraction.
How many steps do I need to climb to the top?
To reach the top of the Lotrščak Tower, you have to climb about 100 steps from the street. The stairs are narrow and steep, with a non-slip surface and handrail. The climb can be physical and requires suitable footwear. Access is therefore limited for people with reduced mobility.
