Zagreb, Croatia Meets the KUHF Gang.
May 13, 2009 by: Elaine Kennedy Gray day becomes sunny delight for those on the KUHF Spring tour. Wednesday started off a little gray and drizzly, but the KUHF crew definitely perked up after a visit to the Mimara Museum, an art collection put together by a young German curator working in Munich after World War II. After cataloging all the art works confiscated from Yugoslavian Jews, he pretended to be a cultural minister so he could take possession of the stolen work. Thanks to this man, these works are once again on view. The museum showcases historical works of human artistic expression including magnificent paintings of Old Masters like Monet, Botticelli and Rubens. Also featured are striking antiquities from Egypt and China, including sculptures, textiles and glass. Zagreb's historic Upper Town is so named because of its physical location. Once a part of the 13-Century city wall, the Priest's Tower still stands, and a jagged brick path in the street marks where the rest of the wall once stood. About a block away was another 13-Century landmark, St. Mark's Church, which boasts colorful roof tiles that pay tribute to the different regions of Croatia. Zagreb Cathedral is a gorgeous sight with a bright, golden statue of Mary atop a pedestal and surrounded by golden angels below. The church is now being renovated, and our guide said he couldn't remember a time when it WASN'T being renovated. I'm just thankful that there are those willing to preserve these places for all of us to experience. They are simply breathtaking. Tomorrow, we will make our way to Graz, Austria. I'll check in with you then. We all miss you! --Elaine > click here for all dispatches from the kuhf spring arts tour 2009 > view printer-friendly version > return to previous page |