Zagreb Time Machine
From late April to late October, Zagreb Time Machine brings the history and customs of the city to life.
Do you feel like you have travelled in a time machine to the past? You are mistaken! Here, in the streets of the Upper Town, right beside you, the main characters from stories written long time ago are still passing by: characters from legends, but also real people. All those ordinary and great men and women who have marked Zagreb’s history.
May 31 – September 27, 2025
May: 31st
June: 1st, 7th, 8th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th
July: 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th
August: 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st
September: 7th, 14th, 21st, 27th
BAN AND MANDA – Ban Jelačić Square – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In case of other major events taking place at the Square or exceptionally high temperatures, the characters may briefly move to the European Square or Zrinjevac Park.
UPPER TOWN IN THE PAST – Upper Town – 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Due to construction works and scaffolding on Kamenita Street, around St. Mark’s Church, as well as the closure of the Funicular and the western part of Strossmayer Promenade, this year the characters will move in pairs within the area from the Stone Gate – Habdelićeva Street – Jesuit Square – Catherine's Square – Ćiril and Metod Street – St. Mark’s Square (and back) – Dverce – Strossmayer Promenade (eastern part) – Gradec – Catherine's Square.
Depending on circumstances (weather, number of visitors, etc.), the group may descend to Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Park.
Zagreb and its surrounding area are known for numerous folklore societies, some of which were founded more than a century ago. Dressed in their beautiful and unique folk costumes, the members of the societies will bring their folk customs, songs, and dances to the streets of Zagreb.
May 31 – September 27
09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
May: 31st
June: 14th, 28th
August: 30th
September: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
From one street to another, from one doorway to another... Centuries and decades ago, the streets of the Upper Town used to echo with ballads and love songs played by street musicians. The wonderful custom has been preserved until today.
May 31 – September 27
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
May: 31st
June: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
July: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th
August: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th
September: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Location: Upper Town (Magdalenić-Drašković-Jelačić Palace - Demetrova Street - Vletačka Street - St. Mark's Square - Catherine's Square - Lotrščak Tower)
January 1 - October 18 2025
11:30am - 1:10pm
January: 1st
April: 21st
May: 1st, 30th, 31st
June: 7th, 22nd
July: 5th, 19th
August: 5th, 15th
September: 6th, 27th
October: 18th
In the 17th century, during the Thirty Years’ War, the Croatian light cavalry, renowned for its exceptional heroism, joined the ranks of the French Army. Military skills and the original appearance of the Croatian soldiers were affirmed in 1664 with the founding of the Croatian regiment “the Royal Cravates” within the French Army. A special feature of their uniforms was a red scarf – a tie that girls used to tie around young men’s necks before going to war.
Tie, the essential fashion accessory of every man originates from those brave Croatian soldiers. The reinstated ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, based on the historical evidence, can be seen in predetermined attractive tourist locations. The program is done by 13 to 20 infantrymen and 4 to 21 cavalrymen.
ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM
NOTE: The program is subject to change if any unforeseen circumstances emerge on the route or on guard positions.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD PROGRAM
11:30 Infantry passing in front of the Association of Craftsmen of the Zagreb City Museum
11:40-11:45 Merging of the cavalry and infantry, handing of the flag (intersection of Ilica and Mesnička ulica)
11:45-11:55 Cravat Regiment passing through Ilica all the way to Ban Jelačić Square
11:55-12:00 Arrival at Ban Jelačić Square, salute to the flag, realignment, inspection of weapons and machinery ceremony
12:00-12:05 Alignment of the guards next to Ban Jelačić monument
12:05-12:10 Movement of the line up towards the plateau in front of the Cathedral
12:10-12:15 Alignment of the guards on front of the statue of Mary on the Cathedral Square (if allowed due to construction works)
12:20 SEPARATION OF THE REGIMENT / HANDING OF THE FLAG
The infantry moves towards Tkalčićeva ulica through Kaptol – Dolac – Opatovina – Steps of the Bishop of the Holy Spirit – Tkalčićeva
The cavalry moves through Kaptol – Mikloušićeva – Tkalčićeva, all the way to the Steps of the Bishop of the Holy Spirit
12:30 MERGE OF THE REGIMENT / HANDING OF THE FLAG
12:35-12:40 Moving towards Ban Jelačić Square
12:40-12:45 Handing of the guards next to Ban Jelačić monument
12:45-12:50 Moving towards the Cathedral Square through Bakačeva ulica
12:50-12:55 Handing of the guards next to Mary’s statue
12:55-13:00 Rearrangement and prayer
13:00-13:05 Moving through Bakačeva ulica all the way to Ban Jelačić Square
13:10 Rearrangement, handing of the flag, separation
CHANGING OF THE GUARD – FINISH
The infantry heads towards the Ethnographic Museum / changing clothes, arranging the equipment and area
The cavalry heads towards Dubravkin put / unloading the horses, changing clothes, preparing for transportation, transporting the horses to the barn
NOTE: In case of poor weather, the programs will be canceled.