With its art galleries, restaurants and bars, Tkalciceva street is one of the most prominent streets in Zagreb – rich in experiences as it is in its history. The street spans from Dolac market to Medvescak street, named after a creek that ran trough Tkalciceva. Many battles between then separated settlements Kaptol and Gradec took place there, giving its most known bridge the ominous name Krvavi most (Bloody Bridge). The creek was rerouted in 1898. making it possible to build a street there, aptly named ulica Potok (Creek Street). The Bloody bridge was also turned into a small street connecting Tkalciceva and Radiceva streets and kept the name in remembrance to those battles. The creek was rerouted in 1898. making it possible to build a street there, aptly named ulica Potok (Creek Street). The Bloody bridge was also turned into a small street connecting Tkalciceva and Radiceva streets and kept the name in remembrance to those battles.
A shelter for harlots and workers
Tkalciceva got its current name in honor of Ivan Krstitelj Tkalcevic, a19th century Zagreb historian and priest. The first inhabitants of the street were workers and servants of priests from Kaptol and members of gentry fromGradec. As time went by Tkalciceva turned into a street filled with small crafts and brothels, both regulated by city codes. It was demanded from the brothels to have red lanterns in front of them, making it the first “red light district” in Southern Europe. Tkalciceva got its modern state after the Second World War when most craftsmen moved to the outskirts of an expanding city, and the brothels were closed. Preserved housings from the 18th and 19th century were turned into bars and small shops.
The first inhabitants of the street were workers and servants of priests from Kaptol and members of gentry from Gradec. As time went by, Tkalciceva turned into a street filled with small crafts and brothels, both regulated by city codes.
Historical reminder
The last significant transformation of the street was in mid-2000’s when bars gave way to returning small craft shops, art galleries and restaurants. Today, the most famous trademarks of Tkalciceva street are the sun clock and a statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka, the first Croatian female journalist, welcoming locals and tourists alike. A lesser known statue is placed midway trough the street, one of a harlot leaning on her window, inviting passers-by to explore the rich and dark history of Tkalciceva street.
Secrets and modern legends
Back in the past the street was a place of frequent clashes between the two cities – Kaptol and Gradec. Modern legends say that even today, at night, people hear the cries and screams of women who lost their children and laughter of ladies of pleasure from Tkalciceva. Perhaps it is just an urban legend, but maybe, just maybe, it could be the truth. If you want to find out, go to Tkalciceva during the dark, quiet night, and wait… Somebody or something interesting might join you…
