Zagreb

Zagreb is not only the capital of the Republic of Croatia, but also the country's largest city. Zagreb is a lively and vibrant European metropolis in the truest sense of the word with an abundance of historical and cultural sights. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Zagreb, just take a walk through the romantic alleys of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the center of the former Gradec around which today's city has developed over the centuries. Medieval Gradec lies on a hill within the ramparts that were erected in the mid-13th century. Of the former four entrances to the city, only the Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) has been preserved to this day. Within its arch is a small baroque chapel dedicated to the Mother of God that was built in 1760. It is very popular with the people of Zagreb, who often stop there to light prayer candles which illuminate the passage with a warm light. The center of Zagreb's Upper Town is St. Mark's Square with the Church of St. Mark and its signature roof that is painted with the Croatian coat of arms. The highest institutions of the Republic of Croatia are located on St. Mark's Square. There are Banski dvori, formerly the residence of Croatian bans, which together with the neighboring baroque palace form the seat of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. On the corner of St. Mark's Square and the Street of Ćiril and Metod is the site of the Old City Hall since time immemorial. The Church of St. Catherine, which was built by Jesuits in the early 17th century, is considered the most beautiful baroque church in Zagreb and dominates another square of the Upper Town. A hundred meters to the west is the town palace Dverce and the former small town gate, from where you can see Lotrščak tower with its famous Grič cannon that traditionally has been marking noon in the city center every day since the 19th century. Experience the most beautiful panoramic view from the Strossmayer promenade and see the unique sculpture of the popular Croatian poet Antun Gustav Matoš that is sitting on a bench.

The heart and lifeline of today's metropolis is Ban Jelačić Square, the neighboring Bogovićeva Street and the romantic Cvjetni Square, where locals enjoy drinking their coffee, especially on Saturday mornings when everyone goes out for drinks and socializing before lunch. On the upper side of Ban Jelačić Square is another popular meeting place of the people of Zagreb, the town market Dolac that offers numerous local products and organically grown fruits and vegetables. If you go sightseeing, make sure to visit the Cathedral of Zagreb. Among the many museums the city has to offer, let us mention just a few that are definitely worth visiting: the Zagreb City Museum, the Museum of Arts and Crafts, Mimara Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Technical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Especially impressive to visitors is the Croatian National Theater, not only because of the beautiful neo-baroque building that was built by the most famous Central European architects in 1895, but also because of its ballet and opera repertoire. In the center of Zagreb is one of the most beautiful urban green belts in Central Europe, the so-called Lenuci horseshoe, which stretches from Zrinjevac to Zagreb’s main railway station and the Esplanade Hotel, across the Botanical Garden to Marulić and Mažuranić Square. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb's busy streets, there is beautiful Maksimir Park with the zoo, as well as the popular Zagreb promenade along Lake Jarun. Medvednica, the local mountain that rises north above the city, offers numerous hiking trails and its peak Sljeme is a popular destination of the locals during the weekends.

Zagreb offers a variety of accommodation, from luxurious apartments to modern holiday homes and villas with swimming pools that are perfect for a pleasant vacation. Find your ideal accommodation and get to know Croatia's capital.