Zagreb – Croatia’s capital with an extraordinary number of the cultural institutions

Zagreb is Croatia’s capital. This city offers a feel of various Central-European places like Prague, Budapest and Vienna etc. Zagreb has an extraordinary number of the cultural institutions, boasts 20 museums, 350 libraries, universities, and 16 theaters. There are many art and cultural events held every year.

Croatian National Theater, Zagreb, Croatia by snupix

Although Zagreb is not on the list of the main tourist attractions in the country, it is definitely worth a short visit. The history of this city dates back to the 11th century, when it was a place of two separate medieval cities – Kaptol and Gradec. Kaptol was the center of religious power and the bishopric. Gradec was declared a free royal city, which was the start of its administrative and economic growth. Both cities had their own walls, moats, towers and gates, and were separated by the river Medveščak. These two cities were often fighting against themselves. The events of this period are still commemorated at the street called Krvavi Most (Bloody Bridge) – a place of the former bridge.

In 1880 Zagreb suffered extensive damage after a strong earthquake. Many important monuments which are now the pride of the city, were built after this date.

The place is basically accessible through airplanes, trains, car and buses too. Hence, travelling to/from Zagreb is pretty easy and it should not be a tough task for you to book tickets.

Even the public transportation of this place is pretty efficient and developed. However, if you wish to have your own private transport facility, then you can take taxi service to move around and visit different places in Zagreb.

Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb, Croatia by Delaina Haslam

Places to visit

• You can start with Lower and Upper Town. From religious and commercial to cultural, you will find a lot of tourist sights there. There, you can visit Old Town gate and Strossmayer Setaliste.
• If you like cycling, lake rowing and jogging, you can visit Maksimir Park and Zoo. There are eating joints, places for long walks by lakes or through forest. Other than that there is Mazuranic Square, Zrinjevac Park, Botanical Gardens, Square of Marsal Tito, King Tmislav Square and two lakes, namely Bundek and Jarun. A variety of activities are hosted at these two lakes, like sports, barbecue, windsurfing, workshops, firework festivals, music festivals, concerts and horticultural shows etc.
• Other places include museums like Muzej Mimara, Arheoloski Muzej, Klovicevi Dvori, Moderna Galerija and few more. Then there is Mirogoj cemetery and Medvedgrad fortress on Medvednica mountain.
• You can take up participate in Snow Queen Trophy if you are in Zagreb in January. It is a Ski World Cup Race. While in summer months you can take up guided cycle tours around the city, known as Blue Bike ZagrebByBike.
• If you wish to buy souvenirs, you can visit Millennium for jewelry, pottery and crystal etc, GEA Gallery for handmade stuff and Turisticki Informativni Centar, if you wish to buy books, crystals, pottery and postcards etc.

Gradec, Zagreb, Croatia by Suradnik13

Zagreb is also a metropolis full of greenery, providing a number of different parks and gardens. Right in the heart of the city you can find a unique park system, called “Green Horseshoe” (Zelena potkova). You can visit a large botanical garden established in the English style.

Tags: Gradec, Kaptol, Krvavi Most, Medvednica, ZagrebByBike, Zelena potkova

Category: Cities, Croatia