New discoveries emerge during restoration of Zagreb Cathedral

ZAGREB, 15 October 2026 (Hina/Kristina Gaćarić) – Restoration work at Zagreb Cathedral following the devastating 2020 earthquake has prompted new research into the history of one of Croatia’s most important religious and architectural landmarks, including the discovery of four fragments from a Renaissance tombstone.

The findings were highlighted at a scientific conference titled Artistic Treasures of Zagreb Cathedral – New Research, held in Zagreb on 14 and 15 October.

Danko Zelić, deputy director of the Institute of Art History, said the cathedral’s earliest history remains insufficiently understood, including the appearance of the first religious buildings that preceded the present structure.

The cathedral was severely damaged in the 1880 earthquake and has undergone several phases of construction, restoration and reconstruction over the centuries.

Zelić described it as a complex architectural structure comprising its original fabric, later additions and extensive restoration work carried out in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He said archaeological investigations had produced new findings, some of which had yet to be examined in detail in specialist literature.

Renaissance tomb fragments help reconstruct bishop’s monument

Among the discoveries made during the latest restoration work are four additional fragments from the Renaissance tombstone of Luka of Szeged, a former Bishop of Zagreb.

According to Zelić, the fragments have significantly improved understanding of the tombstone’s original appearance and enabled a more complete reconstruction.

Art historian Milan Pelc has also contributed to the research through a scientific paper examining the discovery.

The findings form part of wider efforts to document and better understand the cathedral’s artistic and architectural heritage as restoration work continues following the 2020 earthquake.

Research revisits medieval wall paintings

The conference has also brought renewed attention to the cathedral’s medieval wall paintings.

Researchers Krasanka Majer Jurišić and Kristina Krulić of the Croatian Conservation Institute have reassessed existing interpretations of the paintings in the cathedral’s old sacristy, including questions surrounding their dating and the identity of one of the depicted figures.

The paintings date from the third quarter of the 13th century, during the episcopate of Bishop Timotej, and are regarded as the oldest surviving examples of wall painting in Zagreb.

One important scene, depicting the Last Judgement on the western wall, was lost when the wall was demolished during restoration work led by architect Hermann Bollé in 1882.

The composition is now known only through a watercolour sketch made shortly before the wall was removed.

The renewed research illustrates how historical documents, surviving artworks and archaeological evidence can be combined to improve understanding of buildings that have undergone extensive changes over the centuries.

Experts call for wider recognition of restoration work

The two-day conference brings together 27 authors presenting 25 papers, with participants representing scientific, cultural and Church institutions.

Monsignor Zlatko Koren praised Croatian experts involved in the cathedral’s post-earthquake restoration, saying their work and approach had also been recognised by international specialists.

He said the results of the restoration should be presented beyond Croatia.

Daniel Premerl, a senior research associate at the Institute of Art History, said the conference aims to bring researchers together and encourage further investigation of the cathedral’s artistic treasures.

He expressed hope that the event would become an annual international gathering.

Zelić also said the cathedral deserved a comprehensive scientific monograph reflecting its historical importance and the latest advances in art history.

The conference is taking place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute in Zagreb as part of the Institute of Art History’s project Between Central Europe and the Mediterranean: The Artistic Heritage of Continental Croatia in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period.