Dvorišta: Peek in the courtyards of Zagreb’s beautiful palaces
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Once again, in line with the slogan “Everyone has their own story… Dvorišta (Courtyards) tell stories about Zagreb you haven’t experienced yet.”
Held over 12 days, from July 12th to 23rd, visitors have a unique opportunity to peek behind the facades of some of the most beautiful palaces in Zagreb and experience the magical ambiance of these unique upper town spaces.
But there’s also plenty of good urban entertainment awaiting them, as the Dvorišta offer refreshing bites, refreshing sips, and enjoyable moments with top-notch musicians and live performances ranging from jazz to pop.
“A truly urban cool event with soul” and “A project Zagreb has never seen before” are just some of the superlatives that have accompanied this event from the beginning. Alongside the inevitable comment from a Zagreb local who describes feeling like a “tourist in their own city” at Dvorišta .
The attractiveness and success of the cultural-tourist attraction, Dvorišta, are evident from receiving two prestigious awards for the most creative and innovative project in Croatian tourism. Because of all this, and much more, this July, make sure to visit Dvorišta.
Dvorišta bring together two locations that were premiered in 2019 as part of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts National Home: the upper representative courtyard on Opatička Street (Opatička 18) and the lower, hidden and special courtyard overlooking Radićeva Street (Dvoranski prečac 1).
Last year, as part of Dvorišta, we discovered for the first time the Courtyard of the Observatory in the Popov Tower (at the top of Opatička Street), as well as the Archaeological Garden, the northern courtyard of the Zagreb City Museum (with an entrance from the Observatory courtyard).
This year, after several years, we are bringing back the late Atrium of the Zagreb City Museum to the Dvorišta itinerary, which features the oldest sundial in Zagreb (Opatička 20).
And once again, the hit location from last year is back, the beautiful Courtyard of the Erdödy-Keglević Palace at Ćirilometodska 4, which now serves as one of the residences of the Faculty of Law, but in the past was the final home of the leader of the Croatian National Revival, Ljudevit Gaj, and the site of his famous Illyrian Printing House.
From the very beginning, alongside entertainment, stories, and ambiance, Dvorišta have also been recognized as synonymous with good music. Throughout nine years, numerous musicians have performed at the Courtyards, including Matija Cvek, Antonela Đinđić, Gordana Marković, Lu Jakelić, Ivana Galić, Matej Mudrovčić, Zsa Zsa, and many others.
“While other events turn to DJs and simpler program solutions, Dvorišta remain true to their agenda and maintain their status as a genuine summer stage for young musical talents. Pava Ćorić, Noa Rupčić, Vjekoslav Vostrel, Jakob Grubišak, Lucija & Luka, Nina Herr, Karla Krmpotić – it’s hard to list them all… But it’s important to emphasize the following: there are a total of 60 musical programs, which means there are 5 parallel concerts every evening throughout all 12 days. Only a few similar events can boast such figures,” says Vedran Galić from G.A.D. PRODUKCIJA.
During Dvorišta, the locations will resonate with high-quality music and excellent performers. However, a large part of the Upper Town is currently under renovation. “Because of that, many locations where Dvorišta took place in previous years are currently inaccessible. That’s why we are happy that, compared to last year, we have managed to bring back the Atrium of the Zagreb City Museum to the Dvorišta program, with which we have developed a successful long-term collaboration,” says Slavica Olujić Klapčić from KATAPULT PROMOCIJA.
“Dvorišta is one of the most Zagreb-like and enjoyable summer cultural and tourist events in our city, loved by both locals and visitors. Indeed, with a suitable and discreet program, Dvorišta encourage outdoor activities, providing all visitors with peace, relaxation, and pleasant summer evenings, creating a special atmosphere. Every year, different locations that are part of the rich cultural heritage of the old Zagreb core are presented, which is why I am extremely pleased with the new edition of Dvorišta, and I warmly invite everyone to attend,” says Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board.
The daily programs will be announced several days in advance on the event’s social media platforms, so organizers invite everyone interested to follow them. The event is open every day from 6:00 PM to midnight, and entrance to all locations is free. Check out the map below.