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| Copyright: Zagreb Tourist Board |
Its genesis goes back to prehistoric times, but the evidence of human existence date from pre-Roman and Roman era. By the confluent of the River Sava Pannonian Illyrians and Andautonians built their first settlements -the city, walls, sewer, cemeteries and the port. After big migrations, areas around the rivers were inhabited by Croats, known as the Vlachs from Vlaška Ves, but later the life was developing on the place of today's old towns Kaptol and Gradec. The first notes about the foundation of the city date from the year 1094, the same year when Zagreb Bischopric was founded. After the Golden Bule and recognition of Gradec as a royal city, economy and judiciary started to develop.
The old funicular railway takes us to the upper old town, which attracts with its baroque buildings and walls, with the only remaining gate entrance of the medieval fortified Gradec, Kamenita vrata (Stone gates), St. Mark's Church and the unique tower of Lotrscak whose cannon fires every day exactly at noon.
Visit the neighboring fortified part of old town - Kaptol. Known under the name of „bishop's city“, Zagreb was founded the same year as the Zagreb Bishopric. It was ruled by bishops and clergymen who were maintaining and dealing with feudal estates and building public institutions. Stop in front of the cathedral, look up to see the magnificent architectural material and unique city heritage. Take a look at the interior in peace and quiet, until your view goes back to high apse, late-baroque naves and decorated ceilings.
From Kaptol, the road will lead you to the heart of town, the city marketplace, the Square of Ban Josip Jelacic and Mandusevec well. According to the legend, a nice girl Manda gave fresh water to the soldiers passing by. The surroundings of neo-baroque building of Croatian National Theater (HNK), are adorned with a symbol of life and water, a fountain 'Well of Life" by the famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Through parks and streets we come to the Art Pavilion – first Croatian building intended for the exhibition purpose, adorned by the park, fountains and a monument to the first Croatian king, Tomislav. In the vicinity of rich and valuable museum Mimara your look goes back to the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Art, while the eastern part is illuminated by a famous building of Meštrović pavilion.
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| Copyright: Zagreb Tourist Board |
South from many monuments and buildings, proudly stands the Railway Station built in mid 19th century with characteristic facades of the time. 8 parks and the same number of squares all bear the name of Lenuzi's horse-shoe. Thanks to its extreme forms which surround the centre of the town –stretching from the railway station towards Jelačić square, the Lenuzi's horse-shoe covers the most important city sights. City full of overlapping streets perfectly balances the vegetation, the parks, Ribnjak and Maksimir, Lake Jarun, mountain Medvednica and botanical garden.
On the north, towards Zumberak hills, you will find the city of Samobor. Area was first ihabited by the Illyrian and Celtic tribes, and later the Romans. In the 13th century this fortified city receives Charter of “free king's market“ which gave its inhabitants the right to choose the mayor, pastor, to reap the church's denary, to create merchandising borders and roads. Since then begun the development of education, monastic orders - monasteries and churches, business, mineral production, viticulture, agriculture and trade. Today, Samobor is a town of excellent cuisine, kremšnite/custard slice pastry, traditional crafts and trades...
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