Gric Tunnel

The Grič Tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel under the Upper Town of Zagreb, about three hundred and fifty metres long, which links two streets on opposite sides of the hill. It is a quiet, cool passage that works as a shortcut for residents and a curiosity for visitors, and it adds to Zagreb’s layered character with an unusual history as a wartime shelter that has been given a second life as a public space for exhibitions and events.

The tunnel was built in 1943, during the Second World War, as an air-raid shelter for the people of Zagreb. Cities across Europe dug such shelters as bombing raids intensified, and this one was designed to protect thousands of people in the centre of the capital, with the hill above providing a thick roof. It was never needed on a large scale for its original purpose, and after the war it was closed and largely forgotten for decades. During the 1990s, the tunnel was again used as a shelter when Zagreb was threatened, and afterwards the city restored it and opened it as a public passage, a rare example of wartime infrastructure turned to civic use.

Today the tunnel connects Mesnička Street, on the western side, with Radić Street (Radićeva) on the eastern side, running directly beneath Gradec, the old hilltop town, and it also has vertical entrances from Ilica and Tomićeva streets. Walking through takes about five minutes, and it is a convenient way to move between the lower town and the Upper Town without climbing the steps or taking the funicular. While the route is short, the temperature inside stays steady, cool in summer and mild in winter, so it is a refreshing break from the heat of the city. The passage is lit and wheelchair accessible, which makes it easy for everyone to use.

Its walls and spaces frequently host temporary cultural events, including art exhibitions, installations, concerts and festivals, so the contemporary life of the city is layered on top of its history. The concrete-lined corridor, with its bare walls and echo, makes an atmospheric venue, and some exhibitions use the setting deliberately. Check what is on during your visit, since programmes change often. It is free to enter and generally open every day from morning until the evening, though it is wise to check for temporary changes, and weekday mornings are quietest.

A story connected with the hill is that of the Witch of Grič, a figure from Zagreb folklore who is said to haunt the Upper Town, and the tunnel is close to many attractions, such as the Lotrščak Tower, the Church of St. Catherine and Ban Jelačić Square. The tunnel suits curious visitors, history lovers and anyone who wants a cool shortcut.