Discover Zagreb’s hidden palace Courtyards this summer

(Photo: Dvorišta)

For the past 10 years, Courtyards have been telling the stories of Zagreb.

From the 12th to the 23rd of July – over 12 days – the gates of the Upper Town palaces will open, transforming into centres of entertainment, socialising, discovery, and live music performances.

Peek behind their façades this year and discover a host of surprises awaiting you.

“A wonderful thing. Kudos to whoever thought of reviving these marvellous courtyards. This has brought the entire Upper Town to life. I feel like a tourist in my own city,” wrote a Zagreb resident in the guestbook back in 2014 when the event first started.

(Photo: Dvorišta)

“Thanks to the clever minds who initiated this idea and turned the Upper Town courtyards into a summer sensation,” one media outlet wrote, perfectly capturing the essence of Courtyards.

Indeed, for 10 years, Courtyards have been a “truly cool urban event with soul,” and a “project unlike any other in Zagreb.“

“10 courtyards for 10 years” is the theme of this year’s festival – but the organisers are keeping the details under wraps for now. So far, they’ve announced some well-known locations, such as the atrium of the Zagreb City Museum (Opatička 20) and the Archaeological Garden of the MGZ (Opatička 22), as well as the Courtyards of the Observatory by the Popov Tower (Opatička 22).

(Photo: Dvorišta)

We are thrilled to announce that the newly renovated Tituš Brezovački Grammar School, located in the former Aristocratic Convent, will rejoin the Courtyards programme this year with two locations (entrance from Jesuit Square), along with the Croatian Institute of History, also featuring two locations (at Opatička 10, with an entrance from Radićeva Street), organisers said.

(Photo: Dvorišta)

All these, along with others yet to be revealed, tell their own unique, special, intriguing, and extraordinary stories. Stories waiting to be discovered.

Courtyards are all about “magic, romance, fun, socialising, and adventure.” They are “the stars, the most entertaining, the favourite, the iconic.” They are “by far the best experience in Zagreb,” according to the media.

(Photo: Dvorišta)

Courtyards are also synonymous with great music. Over the years, the event has featured performances by Matija Cvek, Antonela Đinđić, Gordana Marković, Lu Jakelić, Ivana Galić, Matej Mudrovčić, Zsa Zsa, Zdenka Kovačiček, and the Antiphonus Ensemble, among many others.

(Photo: Dvorišta)

This year, Courtyards will continue their tradition, offering a range of excellent young singers and musicians.

Courtyards are for everyone, from ages “7 to 77,” or really “0 to 100,” and as always, entry is free, organisers said.

(Photo: Dvorišta)

Daily programmes will be announced a few days in advance on the event’s social media pages, and the festival will be open every day from 6:00 PM to midnight.