Zagreb, Croatia: Holy Mary Monument

There's nothing like a tall monument to capture the tourist's eye, and this one checks in at almost 120 feet high. Since it is near a big church, you might guess that it has some religious significance, and you'd be right. It's the Holy Mary Monument. OK, the full title is the Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I believe that would be a mouthful even in Croatian, so let's stick to the simple version here. 

Naturally, Mary gets top billing here, and there are four angels at the base of the column. They are said to represent faith, hope, purity and innocence. The base is a fountain.

This went up late in the 19th century. However, one of its purposes was to celebrate a military victory over the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. I guess that means that someone had been keeping the idea of building a tribute to that triumph for about 300 years. Patience is a virtue. 

It's right in front of a cathedral, and is easy to find. The Monument has become a natural meeting place for residents and visitors alike.