The Stone Gate (Croatian: Kamenita vrata) is a landmark in the Upper Town of Zagreb, Croatia built between 1242 and 1266.[1] Its present-day appearance dates from the 18th century.
The landmark is located at Kamenita Ulica 3, in Zagreb's Upper Town. Inside is a shrine to God's Mother of the Stony Gate, a name used for Mary, Mother of Jesus when referring to her as the patron saint of the city of Zagreb. The shrine contains a gilded icon of Mary holding baby Jesus, which supposedly survived a fire that occurred in the shrine. The southern and eastern walls of the shrine contain prayers carved into the marble. There is also a series of benches and a table to light candles for prayer.
The Shrine is considered a holy place among Catholics in Zagreb, who often come to light candles [2] and pray to Mary at the location.
The landmark is included in the Registry of the Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia, managed by the Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media.[3]
The Stone Gate is an important element of the historical romance novel Zlatarevo Zlato (The Goldsmith's Treasure), written by August Šenoa.[4] [5] A small statue of one of the novel's main characters, Dora Krupić, is placed in the niche of the landmark. The sculpture was made by Croatian sculptor, Ivo Kerdić.[6]