A popular local attraction is Zagreb. Zagreb: what to see and try in the capital of Croatia? Štrukli – What to try in Zagreb
History of Zagreb
The history of Zagreb begins with the first mention in 1094. Then, on the site of the modern capital, there was only the settlement of Kaptol, named after the hill of the same name, located on the Sava River, at the foot of Mount Medvednica. Hradec was built next to it, which in 1241 was proclaimed an independent royal city. The place where these two cities stood was very successful both geographically and economically. Land and water transport routes passed through them, connecting the most remote corners of Croatia.
Kaptol has always been considered a city of artisans, and Hradec - a religious center. Both settlements grew, and at the beginning of the 17th century they merged into a single city - Zagreb. However, even after the unification, craft workshops were built in one part of the city for a long time, and church ministers lived in the other.
The city acquired the status of the capital in the 70s of the 16th century. Modern Zagreb consists of 17 districts, and most of the citizens (over 90%) profess Catholicism. Several industries are developed in Zagreb, and it is believed that residents in the capital live richer than in other regions of the country. Tourism is actively developing in the city. Several 4-5* hotels are open here, and there are many cultural and historical monuments.
What to see in the capital of Croatia
Cozy green and hilly Zagreb seems to be specially created for walking. Everyone who came here for the first time is especially impressed by the shopping street Ilica, located in the very center of the Croatian capital.
In the Upper Town, where the royal city of Hradec used to stand, there is the oldest architectural monument of Zagreb - a stone gate with a small chapel. They were built about 700 years ago - at the beginning of the 13th century.
Here you can also admire one of the main symbols of the city - St. Stephen's Cathedral. It has existed since the 13th century and is famous for the fact that inside there are burial places of all the hierarchs of the Croatian church and the most noble people of the country. Not far from the main cathedral rises the Archbishop's Palace - an architectural monument in the Baroque style.
In the upper part of Zagreb, it is interesting to visit the Church of St. Mark, which appeared here in the first half of the 13th century. The ancient temple is notable for its picturesque ceramic roof made of multi-colored tiles. And next to it are the building of the National Assembly and the Presidential Palace.
The quarters of the Lower part of the city were built according to the town-planning plans of the second half of the 19th century. Travelers come here to admire the old representative mansions built in the architectural traditions of neoclassicism and eclecticism, as well as to visit the equestrian monument to the first king of Croatia, which rises on Tomislav Square.
To see all the architectural styles in one place, just visit the main square of the Lower Town, dedicated to Josip Jelačić. In its center stands a monument to Ban Jelacic. And the old square is surrounded by buildings representing the traditions of classicism, baroque and modern architecture.
In the eastern part of the Croatian capital there is a very interesting palace and park ensemble "Maksimir". This is a large park, laid out in a traditional English layout in the 18th-19th centuries. Another historical and landscape monument of the city - the cemetery "Mirogoy" is considered one of the most picturesque parks in Europe. The most respected inhabitants of Zagreb are buried on it.
Museums in Zagreb
About three dozen museum collections and art galleries are open in the Croatian capital, which is why Zagreb is often called the city of museums.
You can learn more about the history of Zagreb and the cultural events that took place here at the City Museum. It is located in the Upper Town (Opatička, 20). The rich collection of more than 75,000 exhibits includes archaeological finds, rare documents and maps, urban plans and religious monuments.
A valuable art collection of world-class paintings is presented in the Mimar Museum (Trg Franklina Delanoa Roosevelta, 5). It was created thanks to the talented collector Ante Topić Mimara. Here are paintings and antiques brought from Ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, India, South America and different countries of Europe. The unique art museum exhibits paintings by Velazquez and Goya, Rubens and Bosch, Delacroix and Manet.
A very interesting exposition awaits tourists in the ethnographic museum, which was opened more than a hundred years ago and is located in a monument of Art Nouveau architecture (Trg Mažuranića, 14). Previously, the city House of Crafts was located here. The collection represents the culture of the Croats, tells about their way of life and traditions. In the museum you can get acquainted with Croatian folk costumes, arts and crafts, ceramics and ancient musical instruments.
Croatia is often called the country of hunting, so it is not surprising that there is a special hunting museum in Zagreb, where weapons, stuffed animals, baits and traps are exhibited (Vladimira Nazarova, 63).
There is also an original museum dedicated to divorces in the city. It is also called the Museum of Broken Relationships (Zhirilometodska ulica, 2). Here you can see love letters and cards, wedding rings and wedding accessories. Behind each of these museum pieces is a dramatic story of love and breakup. And, surprisingly, this museum is one of the most visited places in Zagreb.
Fans of science and technology can have a great time at the Science Museum (Savska cesta, 18). His most popular "exhibit" was a completely reconstructed mine. In addition, the museum has an office of Nikola Tesla and its own planetarium, the departments of transport and geology, mining, fire safety and agricultural equipment are open.
If you travel to Zagreb with children, it will be interesting to visit the school museum (Trg marљala Tita, 4). The Croatian education system is the real pride of this country. In the museum you can find out what the city school was like a hundred years ago, see old desks, blackboards and school supplies.
Transport in the city
Buses are the most popular in Zagreb. Almost all city streets have bus routes, and transport moves along them at short intervals. So you don't have to wait long.
In second place in popularity are trams. It is very convenient that some tram routes operate at night (from 24.00 to 4.00), when it is no longer possible to use other types of public transport. In addition, an old funicular railway begins on Tomic Street in Zagreb, connecting the quarters of the Upper and Lower Towns.
The cost of one trip around the Croatian capital is approximately $ 0.65. If you want to save money, you need to buy a “day card”, which allows you to travel on all modes of transport all day until 4.00. It costs $1.8.
For independent travel around the city, it is more profitable to purchase a tourist "Zagreb-card". On it you can travel unlimited by bus, tram, cable car, as well as get significant discounts when visiting many attractions and renting a car. Such a card costs 60 kunas, it is valid for three days, however, it pays for itself within the first day.
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How to get there
By plane. Pleso International Airport is 15 km away from Zagreb. Almost all major airlines in the world fly here, carrying passengers to Croatia from three dozen cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm and Yekaterinburg.
You can get from the airport to the city by taxi. This is the most expensive option. The fare consists of landing (25 kunas) and travel (7 kunas per 1 km).
In addition, buses run from the airport. Their schedule can be found on the website: www.plesoprijevoz.hr. Croatia Airlines buses leave every 20-30 minutes and go to the city bus station. The fare for them costs 30 kunas.
By train. The railway station is located in the central part of the city (Trg kralja Tomislava, 12). Daily train number 015B runs from Moscow (Kyiv railway station) to Zagreb. The road to the capital of Croatia takes 50 hours and 20 minutes.
By car. It is easy to get to Zagreb by private transport. For a trip, you need to obtain a Schengen multi-visa or a transit visa through all the countries that you plan to cross, as well as a visa to Croatia in advance. In addition, you will need an international driver's license, a technical passport for the car and a green card.
By bus. Croatia has a well-developed intercity bus service. From the Zagreb bus station (Marina Drћiža Av, 4) there are regular flights to other cities of the country. You can get acquainted with the routes, timetables and fares on the bus station website:
In the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is separated by the Upper City and the Lower City, and in each of them there is something to see, there is where to walk: there are a lot of galleries, museums, architectural monuments, cathedrals, parks. But all the most interesting sights of Zagreb can be seen in one day, because most of them are located close to each other.
In the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) there is most of the historical sights of the capital of Croatia. Gornji Grad is located on two hills - Kaptol and Hradec. Once there were separate settlements here, but over time they united, and a new street, Tkalchicheva, settled between the hills.
Gornji Grad is a favorite walking place not only for tourists, but also for residents of Zagreb. Beautiful paved streets attract with numerous cafes and bakeries - the latter offer delicious fresh bread and a variety of pastries. In the evening, the Upper Castle is especially romantic: ancient gas lanterns, which are lit by lamplighters, are still used to illuminate it.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Zagreb is a landmark throughout Croatia, because it is the largest Catholic church in the country. The cathedral is on Kaptol Square 31, and thanks to two towers 105 m high, it is clearly visible from anywhere in Zagreb.
The building is decorated in neo-Gothic style, the windows are decorated with multi-colored stained-glass windows. Inside, everything is simple: a beautiful altar, a carved pulpit and many comfortable carved benches. Going inside, you need to be mentally prepared for the fact that a transparent glass sarcophagus with the ashes of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, who lived in Croatia during World War II, is placed on the altar.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - active. At the entrance, the schedule hangs, you can see in advance when the service is held and attend it. During the service solemn sounds of the organ are heard, strong male singing sounds - just close your eyes, and you can imagine that this is an opera. It is allowed to take pictures and videotape during Mass.
Access inside stops somewhere at 19:00. But if the entrance is already closed, and there are still people inside, then you can try to enter the side door on the left side of the building, from where parishioners usually come out.
Tkalchicheva street
Tkalčićeva Street is simply called “Old Tkalća” by Zagreb residents. A walk along it is included in the program of almost all tourist routes introducing the sights of Zagreb. There are always a lot of people here, very lively and noisy - not only in the season, but even in rainy autumn weather. But still, the townspeople managed to maintain a special, incomparable provincial atmosphere.
It is here that most of the restaurants, bars, cafes, shops with souvenirs located in Gornji Grad are concentrated. Similar establishments are found everywhere here, and all of them occupy old restored authentic buildings, which are attractions in themselves. As for prices, they are different - from minimal to very high.
Monument to Maria Jurich At the beginning of the street there is a monument to the Croatian writer Maria Juric, known under the pseudonym Zagorka. A little further on is another monument dedicated to one of the girls Zagorka wrote about, who, due to circumstances, ended up in a brothel. This sculpture appeared here not by chance, because in the 19th century there were many brothels on Tkalčićeva.
To the left of the monument there is a modest path leading to a narrow steep staircase - this is the ascent to Hradec Hill.
St. Mark's Church is a bright colorful landmark of the capital of Croatia, perched on a hill Hradec at Trg Sv. mark 5.
The southern portal of this temple is very interesting, where 15 wooden sculptures stand in separate niches - at the top is the Virgin Mary with Joseph and baby Jesus, at the bottom there are 12 apostles.
But in Croatia and far beyond its borders, St. Mark's Church has become famous for its unique tiled roof - so unusual that all the guests of Zagreb are in a hurry to see it. On a high and steep roof slope, 2 coats of arms are laid out with tiles of different colors: Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.
And around the church is a completely deserted stone square - no trees, no decorative objects. Probably so that the eye is not distracted from the colorful roof.
But there are many people here. Mostly tourists - singles and organized groups - who are interested in seeing this unique sight of Croatia.
It has already been noted that the Lotrschak tower located in close proximity from the funicular station, at Strossmayerovo šetalište, 9.
This majestic square-shaped building, which served to protect the southern entrance to Hradec, is a small part of what has been preserved from the ancient fortress walls.
Now on the first floor of the building there is a souvenir shop and an exhibition gallery where you can see the masterpieces of painting.
But the main thing that is interesting about the Lotrschak tower is the observation deck, to which a wooden spiral staircase leads. To climb it, especially in hot weather, it will take some effort, but the view from above is worth it: you can look at the whole of Zagreb from a bird's eye view and take unique photos of the sights.
Climbing up the stairs, you can see a cannon behind a glass partition. Every day at exactly noon, a deafening shot is heard from it, according to which the townspeople are accustomed to checking their watches.
- The entrance to the tower is open: from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 21:00, on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00.
- And you can see this majestic building from the outside at any convenient time.
Starting immediately from the Lotrschak tower, along the southern fortress wall of Hradec, the picturesque Strossmayer embankment (Strossmayerovo šetalište 16-99) stretches.
From this alley, partly resembling a balcony attached to the fortress wall, you can see beautiful and very spectacular views of the Lower City. In the evening it is quite crowded here, a lot of young people gather.
This pedestrian alley, paved with paving stones, leads down to the central city square of Ban Jelačić and the Lower Castle.
Ban Jelačić Square
At the foot of the hills Kaptol and Hradec lies the main square of Zagreb, named after the commander Josip Jelasica (Trg bana Jelasica) and acting as a kind of border between the Upper Town and the Lower Town.
Trg bana Jelasica offers a magnificent view of the main city avenue, along which many trams travel. The narrow shopping streets of Zagreb depart from the same square, including one of the most famous - Ilica. Various social events and all kinds of fairs are held here, and numerous cafes and restaurants are located in the nearby buildings.
By the way, a tourist office is open in house number 11. In addition to a detailed map of the city, there you can take brochures with photos and descriptions of the sights of Zagreb.
Here, or rather on the nearest Tomic street, there is a funicular station. With it, you can get to the Upper City, directly to the Lotrschak tower. This line is the shortest in the world - only 66 m, travel time is about 1 minute.
- The funicular runs from 6:30 to 22:00, departing every 10 minutes.
- Travel cost tickets - 4 kunas.
Before leaving Jelačić Square for the New Town, it is worth seeing the underground tunnel Grik, located in the very center of Zagreb, under the historic district of Hradec.
From the central hall (about 100 m²) of the tunnel, 2 main corridors stretch for 350 m. One of them exits from the east side - in the courtyard at 19 Radicheva Street, and the other from the west - at Mesnicka Street. There are 4 more side branches that extend south to Jelacic Square - one of these exits is located on Tomic Street 5a, the second is located on Ilica Street.
The tunnel was created during World War II, has recently been reconstructed and began to be used as a venue for cultural events. Periodically, various exhibitions with interactive elements are organized there, and concerts are held.
- This Zagreb attraction is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00.
- The entrance is free.
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Donji Grad, dominated by 19th-century buildings, was built very thoughtfully. On the flat terrain in front of the Hradec and Kaptol hills, numerous parks and squares with fountains, plane tree alleys, and sculptures are arranged in a beautiful chain in the shape of the letter “U”. In Zagreb, they are called "Horseshoe Lenuzzi" after the architect who designed them.
The buildings along these parks look like closed fortresses: their front facades look outward, and green courtyards are hidden behind them.
Croatian National Theater Among the numerous buildings, the grandiose Croatian National Theater stands out ( the exact address Trg Marshala Tita 15). The theater is decorated in neo-baroque style, and one has only to look at it, it immediately becomes clear that this is the main theater of the country. In front of the main entrance is another attraction - the famous fountain "Source of Life".
It is in this part of the Lower Castle that most of Zagreb's museums are located: the Moderna Gallery, the Mimara Art Museum, the Art Pavilion, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums. Their doors are open to everyone who wants to see interesting exhibits, get to know the history and culture of Croatia.
Archaeological Museum
At the Zagreb Archaeological Museum, located at Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19, collected objects that were found on the territory of modern Croatia. There are several expositions related to prehistoric, antique, medieval periods.
There really is something to see:
Etruscan letters - Etruscan letters printed on cotton ribbons in which the mummy was wrapped;
- objects of Vucedol culture, including the famous dove;
- items found during excavations of an ancient Roman village in Northern Dalmatia;
- large-scale collection of numismatics.
Viewing starts from the 3rd floor, you can get there by elevator. The elevator is also an attraction, as it is over 100 years old.
A 3D printer is installed in one of the halls of the museum, printing a copy of the famous "Vucedol dove". And in the courtyard there is a souvenir shop where copies of artifacts are sold.
In the courtyard, among the stone statues of the Roman era, visitors are welcomed by a cozy cafe.
- You can visit the museum and see its exhibits at the following times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday - from 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday - from 10:00 to 13:00.
- Entrance fee ticket 20 kunas.
Mirogoisk cemetery
Near the intersection of the Mirogoy highway and Herman Bolle street is the Mirogoy cemetery, address: Mirogoj Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27. You can get to it on foot - it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the center, but it will be more convenient to go from Kaptol Square by buses No. 106 and 226 or by trams No. 8 and 14.
All tourists strive to visit this attraction - even those who came to the Croatian capital for a short time and are thinking about what to see in Zagreb in 1 day. This is not surprising, because Mirogoj is recognized as the most beautiful cemetery in Europe.
As conceived by the architect German Bolle, the Mirogoisk cemetery looks like a fortress - calm and open to all incoming. At the main entrance, on a wide round base, surrounded by four stone towers, stands the majestic Peter and Paul Chapel. The dome of the chapel, painted in blue-green colors, repeats the shape of the dome of St. Peter's Church in the Vatican. Landmark of Mirogoy are its main gates and arcades, located at the western wall. In principle, the entire cemetery is an open-air museum where you can see exhibits such as sculptures, tombs, crypts, mausoleums.
But it is also the burial place of many famous people. There are entire family tombs of prominent figures of Croatia. Emigrants who came to Croatia from the Russian Empire in the 20th century are also buried. The German military cemetery is located on Mirogoj, there are monuments to the Yugoslav heroes. There are also monuments to Croats who died in the War of Independence and in the First World War.
- Visiting time of the Mirogojsky cemetery from 6:00 to 20:00
- The entrance is free.
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Park Maksimir
A little away from the main tourist routes of Zagreb is the oldest park in southeastern Europe - Maksimirsky. It is located in the eastern part of the city, from the center by tram can be reached in 10-15 minutes.
The park is very big. First comes a more ennobled area: there is a cafe, a playground, alpine slides, lakes, paved paths. If you go a little deeper, a real forest begins, in which shady groves smoothly turn into glades illuminated by the bright sun. Nevertheless, comfortable benches and urns are installed throughout the territory, everything is very clean. It is nice to walk here, look around, feel the merger with nature.
The natural complex Maksimir is ideal for outdoor activities. Due to the different terrain with elevation changes and many paths, runners and cyclists choose routes that are convenient for themselves.
Many people here walk with animals. By the way, there is a zoo on the territory of Maksimir. Although there are not too many animals, they are all kept clean and it is a real pleasure to look at them.
- Maksimir is open for visits daily from 9:00 to sunset, the zoo is open until 16:00.
- Entrance to the park is free.
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In Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, we arrived from Zagorje.
Zagorje is the northern part of Croatia, separated from Zagreb by the Medvednica mountain range.
From the north, Zagreb is bounded by mountains, from the south and southeast by the Sava River (a tributary of the Danube). The city seems to be sliding towards the river.
We are entering Zagreb. In the background is a mountain range Medvednitsa. At the highest point of the Slieme massif (1033) there is a TV tower.
In the center of the city, Medvednica disappears somewhere, and smaller hills come to the fore.
Unlike many cities built on seven hills, the Croatian capital was quite content with two.
The Zagreb hills stand one opposite the other. One of them - Kaptol, initially it was inhabited by churchmen. Another hill, steeper, higher and more spacious, - Hradec populated by ordinary people. At one time there was a Hungarian military garrison.
Previously, these were two separate cities. The river Medveshchak flowed between the hills, and the bridge thrown over it was called Bloody. One can easily guess what kind of relations there were between the inhabitants of neighboring hills.
Time passed, and the two towns merged into one - Zagreb. Mills were set up on the river. And then the river was completely covered up, and the resulting street was called Tkalchicheva. Now Tkalchicheva street is a pedestrian zone with numerous cafes.
Ban Jelačić Square
At the foot of the hills lies the main square of Zagreb - Ban Jelacic Square. Ban was the supreme ruler of Croatia.
Also on the square is a fountain - seemingly simple, but respectfully fenced with chains. This fountain is built over a spring Mandeshuvac, which was the main source of drinking water for the inhabitants of Zagreb. Water was taken from the source until the end of the 19th century.
Buildings on Jelacic Square
On the square there is a tourism office (house 11), where, in addition to the city map, you can take booklets in Russian with a description of the sights of Zagreb. Booklets are very detailed, convenient, made with the desire to present your city to the smallest detail. Descriptions of Zagreb attractions are interspersed with articles about the most prominent representatives of Croatian history, science and art. Lots of writers and poets. Of the representatives of science, only two seem to be mentioned - Nikola Tesla and Slavoljub Penkala (who invented the fountain pen and built the first Croatian aircraft in 1910).
Memorial plaque to Nikola Tesla in Hradec
Jelacic Square is the border between the Upper Town and the Lower Town. Let's start, of course, with the Upper, since it was on the hills that the first settlements arose, which later grew into the capital city of Zagreb.
Kaptol
First, we will climb the right hill - Kaptol. Ahead is a column with a gilded sculpture of the Virgin.
The column stands in the center of the main square of Kaptol.
The area is spacious. Its dominant feature is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the main cathedral of Zagreb.
Fortified walls were erected around the cathedral. They were built in the middle of the 16th century to protect against the Turks.
To the right of the cathedral is one of the towers. The tower merges with the episcopal palace.
Cathedral, episcopal palace and castle tower
Behind the tower, such a narrow street begins, leading down.
Behind the fortress walls there were once ponds in which the priests fished. Now here is the city park Ribnyak.
Cafe near the park
On the other side of the square is a large open space - the Dolac food market.
Let's walk along the main street of Kaptola.
That's where the houses are.
Musical Theatre
Church of St. Francis. The church was built in the 17th century. Previously, a 13th-century church stood on this site, in which, according to rumor, Francis of Assisi lived for some time.
Behind the Franciscan church, the street descends into a small shady park, and from there it goes out onto the busy Tkalchicheva street.
Tkalchicheva street
Tkalchichevo are endless rows of summer cafes, these are houses on three floors, above which the slopes of the hills rise.
Somewhere these slopes are densely built up - houses creep up in steps. Somewhere covered with vineyards.
From Tkalchicheva, here and there, narrow stairs go up, climbing up ..
At the bottom, the street is filled with people, but as you go up, the number of people on the street decreases.
Here is a house with hussars found upstairs.
At the beginning of Tkalchicheva Street there is a monument to the local journalist and writer Maria Jurich, who wrote under the pseudonym Zagorka. She wrote historical novels, including those about the powerless and difficult fate of women, about girls who flocked to the city in search of work and ended up on the panel.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, persecution of witches spread in Zagreb, and many women were burned. Trials of the local inquisition and burning of women began at the beginning of the 17th century and continued until the middle of the 18th century. It took the intervention of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, who issued a decree banning the persecution of witches. In one of the novels, the writer describes the events of those years.
Having slightly risen up Tkalchicheva Street, we see a monument to one of those whose unfortunate fate Zagorka wrote about - this is not about a witch, but about a girl who ended up in a brothel. This monument stands here not by chance - in the 19th century there were many brothels on Tkalchicheva.
To the left of this monument is a not too noticeable path that leads to a narrow steep staircase.
Hradec
We start climbing Hradec Hill.
Lanterns are another sign of Old Zagreb. Gas lamps are still used here, which are lit by lamplighters in the evenings.
In the middle of the slope is a street Radicheva. It stretches parallel to Tkalchicheva. The most remarkable place on it - sculpture of St. George with a defeated serpent.
From the monument, the path leads to stone gate. In our time, the gate stood in the forests
Inside the gate is the chapel of Our Lady with an icon that survived one of the fires. The icon is considered miraculous and is highly revered. Our Lady of the Stone Gate is considered the patroness of Zagreb.
Passing through the Stone Gate, we rise above
and soon we find ourselves on the top of Hradec Hill, in the middle St. Mark's Square with a magnificent and original cathedral in the center - the Church of St. Mark. The coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb are laid out on the roof of the church.
To the left of the church is the building of the Croatian government, to the right is the building parliament(in Croatian - Sabor).
On the corner of the house is an unusual monument. pictured Matia Gubets- Croatian "Emelyan Pugachev", the leader of the peasant uprising. In St. Mark's Square, the captured Matius was tortured and then quartered.
We go down the hill along the street of Cyril and Methodius, or, according to the local, Chirilomethodskaya. On Chirilomethodskaya Street stands the Church of Chiril and Method.
We pass by the museum of naive art.
Looking back at St. Mark's Church
On our way - the area Jesuit Trg with baroque Church of St. Catherine. The Jesuits built it in the 17th century, and next to it a gymnasium, which became the first gymnasium in Zagreb (1607).
View from the Church of St. Catherine on Zagreb
Tower Lotrszczak- a tower that has survived to this day, which was part of the city fortress of the 13th century.
Tower Lotrszczak
We leave the fortress walls and begin the descent along the wall along the steep stairs. This descent is called Strossmeyer alley.
And here we are again at Ban Jelačić Square.
Lower Zagreb
The lower city was built thoughtfully and intelligently. The architect Milan Lenuzzi designed a chain of squares-parks, formed by the letter "U" on the plain in front of the hills. This series of park spaces has been nicknamed the Lenuzzi horseshoe. It seems to me that it looks more like a green garland around the neck of the Mountain City than a horseshoe.
The buildings along the park areas are built in the form of closed fortresses, facing outwards with front facades and hiding green courtyards inside.
Plane alleys, fountains, sculptures follow each other - as well as numerous museums: archaeological, Academy of Sciences and Arts, Art Nouveau Gallery, ethnographic, art pavilion, arts and crafts and the famous Mimara Art Museum.
Mimar Museum
In a series of outstanding buildings - the building of the Croatian National Theater in the center of Broz Tito Square and the University of Zagreb.
The Botanical Garden is built into the lower part of the "horseshoe" of parks
The modern city has reached the river Sava and moved to the other side.
In the south of Zagreb is the so-called "Zagreb Sea" - an artificial lake Jarun.
And in the north, the Medvednitsa mountain range rises. Hiking trails are laid on the slopes of the mountain, mountain shelters and cafes are arranged. There is a chapel, a fortress, and a cave on the mountain. A funicular takes you to the top of Slieme. In winter, they go skiing there.
Now the population of Zagreb is creeping up to a million. There is no metro in the city. Plugs are present.
However, the most cursory and superficial acquaintance with Zagreb leaves the impression that the city is comfortable enough for everyday life, there is a lot of greenery, the city space is thoughtfully built, there are a lot of walking people, a lot of young people, some kind of healthy fullness and cheerfulness is felt. At the same time, the southern climate brings a feeling of lightness and carelessness.
At first glance, Zagreb is very different from. I thought he was like. In this case, Booking will return 1,000 rubles to your card after you book your accommodation and make your first trip). GetYourGuide
Although this city has been the capital of an independent state for less than two decades, it has been the political and cultural center of Croatia since the Middle Ages. Zagreb, where almost a quarter of the population of Croatia now lives, was formed by the merger of two medieval communities - Kaptol and Hradec, which used to exist as independent fortified settlements, but gradually, growing, began to feel like a single city.
However, Zagreb owes its present appearance to the rapid development in the 19th century, and many of its buildings are perceived as monuments to the self-assertion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And even today, Zagreb is the bearer of the refined urban culture of Central Europe - public transport is well organized, the streets are clean, the parks are impeccably trimmed, and behind the shiny facade, life is in full swing, in which Central European, Mediterranean and Balkan cultures have merged.
In recent years, the population of Zagreb has approached the one million mark. It was replenished in part by refugees from the territories of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina covered by the conflicts of 1991-1995. Families, several generations of which live in Zagreb, proudly call themselves purgeri - by analogy with the German "burghers", this is a kind of trace of the Habsburg past.
Perhaps the true “purgerism”, expressed in clicking heels, kissing hands, and the like, has already sunk into oblivion, but the name itself exists as an important sign of Zagreb identity, and is certainly used by provincials when describing capital snobbery. Most foreign visitors visiting Croatia tend to the coast and rarely give their attention to Zagreb, which invites tourists more to adjust to the successful rhythm of local life than to rush from one tourist to another.
The local museums are ready to absorb the visitor, but are rarely spectacular. A couple of days is more than enough to get an idea of what the capital has to offer - unless, of course, you find yourself absorbed by the vibrant nightlife of the city, then, of course, it is worth staying here longer. And during the day, of course, it is better to walk around Zagreb. The streets of baroque Kaptol and Hradec breathe comfort and are good at any time of the year.
Well, the streets of the business center, which sometimes seem depressingly gloomy in winter, in spring and summer, as soon as the good weather comes, they bloom from the tables and umbrellas of numerous open-air cafes, and the popular pedestrian areas of Tkalchichev and Preradovichev-Trg Square acquire a languid Mediterranean glamour. And yet, you should not leave Zagreb without visiting at least somewhere in its charming surroundings. Mount Medvednica rises from the north with a peak called Slieme - the townspeople go there to relax all year round. Many places far from the coast of Croatia can be visited in the continuation of a one-day excursion.
A Brief History of Zagreb
Despite the fact that human settlements dating back to the Iron Age have been found on Hradec Hill, the real history of Zagreb dates back only to 1094, when the Hungarian king Ladislas I founded a bishopric here to bring the lands of Northern Croatia under strong Hungarian control. In Kaptol (the name translates approximately as “a meeting of canons at the temple”), a large church community formed around the Cathedral and the complex of episcopal buildings, and on Hradec the Hungarian crown kept a military garrison.
Both Kaptol and were seriously damaged during the Mongol invasion of 1240-1242, and the Hungarian king Bela IV ordered the restoration of Hradec and granted him the title of Royal Free City in order to attract settlers and revive urban life here. The settlements flourished due to their location on the trade route between and the Adriatic, despite the growing threat from the Ottoman Empire, which began to make itself felt in the 15th century. The communities of Kaptol and Hradec rarely found a common language with each other - the dispute over control of the water mills on the river that separated them was a constant source of enmity between them.
The largest outbreak of this hostility occurred in 1527, during the dispute for the Croatian throne between the Habsburg emperor Ferdinand II, supported by Hradec, and the Hungarian nobleman Ivan Zapolvai (supported by Kaptol). As a result, the Habsburg troops plundered Kaptol. From now on, the names "Kaptol" and "Gradec" gradually began to fall into disuse, and the common name Zagreb for two came into use more and more (literally: "Beyond the mountain", at the location of the city at the foot of Mount Medvednica).
By the end of the 16th century, most of Croatia's inland territory was under the control of the Ottoman Empire - the country's territory was reduced to a northern enclave, the center of which was Zagreb. Although this city served as the seat of the Croatian Sabor (parliament), whose meetings were largely ceremonial, Zagreb became more and more a provincial backwater of the Habsburg Empire, and the Croatian language was supplanted by German, Hungarian and Latin.
It was not until the middle of the 19th century that the growth of Croatian national identity confirmed Zagreb's status as the guardian of national culture. The establishment of the Academy of Arts and Sciences (1866), the Philharmonic Orchestra (1871), the university (1874) and the National Theater (1890) strengthened the sense of cultural identity of the Croatian capital in Zagreb residents. The architect Hermann Bolle (1845-1926) - a German by nationality - the creator of the school of arts and crafts, the Zagreb Cathedral and the Mirogoj cemetery, which occupy an important place in the architectural profile of the new Zagreb.
With the creation of Yugoslavia in 1918, political power shifted from Vienna to what most Croats considered a backwater in the Balkans. The situation changed significantly after the Second World War, when it received the status of a Socialist Republic, and Zagreb became the seat of its government. However, the city still felt inferior due to being overshadowed by Belgrade.
The 1950s-1960s were a period of great architectural change - the ambitious mayor Veceslav Holevac carried out a large-scale expansion of the city in a southerly direction, and a new residential area, New Zagreb, was born. The city survived the collapse of Yugoslavia relatively painlessly, despite sporadic rocket attacks from the Serbs. Life in post-communist Zagreb was initially characterized by stagnation and corruption, but over the last decade the capital has been transformed in many ways by business development and has become stylish, prosperous and optimistic.
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Zagreb is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe
Zagreb is a modern European city, one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Croatia. Zagreb has 4 climatic seasons: hot sunny summer, very golden warm, snowy moderately cold winter and green fresh spring.
The well-preserved beautiful old center of Zagreb and plenty of activities for all ages makes Zagreb attractive holiday destination, spending interesting exciting weekends and holidays!
Zagreb is located in the center of Europe, has excellent air links with all cities of the world, is fully integrated into the bus and rail transport systems of Europe.
In 2017 Zagreb rightfully took first place in the ranking of "hot" destinations European destinations you need to see in 2017 from the world-famous publication Lonely Planet guidebooks()
Zagreb is an ancient European city, the first mention of Zagreb dates back to 1093. Zagreb was never built as a national capital and only after the declaration of independence of the Republic of Croatia in 1991, the city assumed the title of capital of Croatia. Since then, Zagreb has been continuously developing and reconstructing.
Today Zagreb modern european city, with a rich cultural and scientific heritage, the political and business center of the Republic of Croatia, the most important transport and trade hub between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.
GPS coordinates of Zagreb for navigator: 45°10;15'N, 15°30'E
Zagreb largest city in Croatia.
Population of Zagreb- 792,875 people (2011), square of the city of Zagreb– 650 sq. km
Zagreb is located 122 meters above sea level, in the northern part of Croatia, 170 km from.
Landmarks in Zagreb city center
Distance from the city of Pula 268 km
Distance from the city of Split 370 km
Zagreb is a unique combination of the richest history of different eras. The historical center of Zagreb is presented the medieval Upper Town (Gornj Grad) And architectural monuments of the 19th century built - the Lower City (Donij Grad).
Zagreb is one of the oldest cities in Europe, the first mention of Zagreb dates back to 1093.
Zagreb offers its guests a wide variety of museums, parks, art galleries, theatres, concert halls… as well as the Zagreb Zoo, the famous Mirogoj Cemetery, the Medvednica Walking Park and the Medvedgrad Fortress and much more.
Zagreb for children
The city of Zagreb is a great place to family holidays with children.
The city has many interesting and exciting places for children, many attractions and activities interesting for children.
TOP 10 places to visit with children in Zagreb:
Zagreb Zoo, children's sightseeing train, observation deck, parks, Botanical Garden, Observatory, city museums…
Shopping in Zagreb
The total area of shopping centers in Croatia is about 900,000 sq.m. It is about 250 sq.m. per 1,000 people, although the European average is 190 sqm, according to a study by CB Richard Ellis.
Zagreb's largest shopping center Westgate, Avenue Mall, Arena Shopping Center, Roses Fashion Outlet…
Hotels, hostels and apartments in Zagreb
Zagreb has a rich selection of hotels and hostels for guests with different requirements.
Traveling with a large family or company, it will be more comfortable and profitable to rent private apartments in Zagreb.
The nearest airport to the city of Zagreb is Zagreb Airport, 10 km.
The best hotels in Zagreb Croatia according to guest reviews.
Seasonal discounts Hotels and Apartments Zagreb online:
Bowling alleys in Zagreb
Bowling - equally pleases children and adults of all ages.
This is a great opportunity to spend a wonderful fun evening in a pleasant company, even when it's rainy and windy outside.
Zagreb has several modern bowling alleys in the city center.
Bowling in Zagreb is also well developed as a sport.
Water parks and water parks near Zagreb
At a distance of 40-130 km from Zagreb there are several indoor and outdoor water parks.
Most water parks near Zagreb use thermal mineral water.
… Aquae Vivae Aquapark in Krapinske Toplice, Water Planet in Tuhelske Toplice, Terme Jezercica Aquapark, Life Class Terme Sveti Martin Aquapark…
Zagorje and suburbs of Zagreb
Alpine skiing in Zagreb
Ski resort Sljeme Croatia is located in the mountain nature park Medvednica / Medvednica.
The total length of the slopes of the ski resort Sljeme is about 4045 meters.
Medvednica Park is located 10 km from the center of Zagreb.
The distance from Sleme ski resort to Zagreb Airport is 33 km.
Christmas and New Year in Zagreb
Christmas fairy tales are organized every year on Christmas Eve and during the entire Christmas holidays.
The largest traditional Christmas market in Croatia is organized on the central square of Zagreb - Trg Bana Jelasica, as well as on the nearest streets and squares.
In 2015, users of the popular travel portal Best European Christmas Destination chose Zagreb - Christmas Capital of Europe and in 2016 Zagreb received the title Best Christmas Market 2016!
Štrukli – What to try in Zagreb?
Strukli (Štrukli) - a popular and very tasty dish of Croatian cuisine - a delicacy that came to Zagreb from