Croatian State Archives, Zagreb

The Croatian State Archives, situated in Zagreb, the nation's capital, serve as Croatia's primary archival institution. Housed in a UNESCO-recognized Art Nouveau structure, this establishment stands as one of Zagreb's architectural gems, safeguarding Croatia's most significant documents. While the Archives' written collections may not captivate most English-speaking tourists, the building's architectural magnificence appeals universally. It boasts a richly decorated lobby and atrium, replete with elaborate mosaics, sophisticated ironwork, ornate leaded glass, and polished marble. These areas also host art exhibitions, enhancing their already splendid ambience. The building's exterior is complemented by a meticulously designed park, featuring a notable sculpture by Ivan Mestrovic.

The origins of the Croatian State Archives date back to a 1643 directive from the Croatian Sabor (Parliament), instructing the Kingdom's treasurer, Ivan Zakmardi, to compile a comprehensive list of all legal documents and charters. This led to the creation of a special chest, funded by the Kingdom, intended to store these vital documents. However, the chest was largely symbolic, with limited capacity, and was initially placed at the Bishopric of Zagreb. Over time, numerous laws and regulations were enacted to manage document archiving.

In 1744, Ladislaus Kiraly was appointed as the Kingdom's first official archivist. The chest, along with other documents, was relocated in 1763 to Saint Mark's square, marking a significant step in the evolution of the Croatian archival system.