The Shrines of Stone Gate, Zagreb

First stop of the day was the Stone Gate. Dating back to 1242 and revamped in the 18th century, it is more of a passageway than an open gate and it has a small interior area. This is lit by candlelight and shrines line the walls. There are even some pews for people to go and pray.

It is believed that a painting of Mary and baby Jesus has special powers as it survived a huge fire in 1731. Stone slabs engraved with praise and messages line the walls.

Just below the Stone Gate sits a large statue of Saint George and the Dragon. Saint George is one of the first knights to rescue a princess and slay a dragon from his white horse.

In the story a dragon has made a nest for himself next to a spring that provided water to the city of Silene. In order to get the water the people of the city lured the dragon away from the spring with sheep. When they run out of sheep, maidens would be used. They were picked by drawing lots. So it came one day that the king’s daughter was to be offered to the dragon. As the princess was being offered to the dragon, George stumbled into the city, found out what was going on and rushed to slay the monster wearing the sign of the Cross. After he defeated the dragon, the king and all his peoples turned to Christianity.

I love these stories that add interest to the town’s many historic sites.Read more