Marija Jurić Zagorka’s Apartment Opens its Doors
Fans of the works by Marija Jurić Zagorka can finally view the apartment in which the most renowned Croatian female writer, and first female journalist, once lived and worked. Apart from organized group visits, every Thursday will feature book presentations.
At Dolac, the most famous green market of Zagreb, there is the apartment in which the most famous Croatian female writer, and first female journalist, Marija Jurić Zagorka (1873-1957) once lived and worked.
At the address Dolac 8, in the 120 square meter apartment that has been recently opened for public, things are still as they once were. The residence is dominated by a large library with over three thousand books by both Croatian and foreign authors, as well as a large collection of magazines dedicated to female issues and gender equality, which the famous writer supported throughout her life.
Marija Jurić Zagorka is still one of the most read and most interesting Croatian writers, whose stories are no less popular fifty years on. She was the first Croatian journalist, the founder of the first journalist association, and a woman who, despite the great resistance of the public, managed to build a charismatic and very successful literary career. Aside from verbal recognition, her popularity is reflected in the numerous sashes and thank you letters from Zagreb’s citizens, which still adorn the walls of her apartment. Besides the large library, the apartment features her big desk, atop of which is an old typewriter that the famous author used for writing her best known works: “Grička vještica” (The Witch of Grič), “Vitez slavonske ravni” (The Knight of the Slavonian Plane), “Kći Lotrščaka” (The Daughter of the Lotrščak Tower), and many others.
The apartment breathes the spirit of Zagreb’s glorious past and it would be a shame not to visit the place where this literary legend worked. Those who are interested will have an opportunity to visit the apartment in a group tour, while Thursdays will also feature book presentations. On Fridays between 9 and 11 a.m., the doors of the apartment will be open to senior citizens.
Published: 03.12.2009