Grič noon boom: Zagreb’s unique tradition
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo credit: J Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)
The Grič Cannon is one of the most known landmarks in the city of Zagreb and is known for its daily ritual of firing a cannon at noon.
Since 1877 the cannon has fired at noon from Lotrščak Tower, a historic fortified tower that was built in the 13th century to protect the southern gate of the Upper town wall.
Today, the tower houses a museum that tells the story of Zagreb’s rich history, and visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
The cannon was first fired to let the bell-ringers of the city’s churches know it was exactly noon. Since then the big boom as been scattering pigeons and surprising tourists in the city.
Tourists enjoying the view from the top of the tower (Photo credit: Boška i Krešo/Zagreb Tourist Board)
The cannon is fired precisely at 12:00 pm, and the sound can be heard throughout the city and is a symbol of the city’s rich history.
There have been two periods since 1877 when firing from the cannon was suspended. The first was after World War I, from 1918 to 1926, and the second after the 2020 earthquake which hit the city.
Only a handful of people have held the job of firing the cannon. Just four people done the duty in a 140 year-span. The light-blue uniform of the cannon firers has also remained a tradition.
Lotrscak Tower where the cannon is fired from (Photo: J Duval/Zagreb TZ)
The Grič Cannon has become so popular that it has inspired similar traditions in other cities around the world. For example, the Noonday Gun in Hong Kong, which is fired from the top of Victoria Peak, is modeled after the Grič Cannon and is a tourist attraction there.
The firing of the cannon at noon has also been a theme in movies, TV shows, and video games.
The tradition of firing the Grič Cannon at noon is more than just a tourist attraction today. It is a symbol of Zagreb’s resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding us all of the importance of tradition and heritage.
Check out the video below of the cannon in action.
