The modern capital of Croatia was formed as a result of the unification of two small villages in 1094 during the reign of King Laszlo I. Today Zagreb is the largest city of a small Balkan state, and many happy and sometimes tragic events of European history are remembered for its buildings. We begin our story about this amazing city, and before us lies a map of Zagreb with attractions.
1
Ban Josip Jelacic Square
The main square of Zagreb began to take shape in the 16th century, and therefore it is now possible to observe buildings of various architectural styles, from strict classicism to ornate baroque and art nouveau buildings.
Throughout its history, the square bore many names, but in 1848 it received the name of the ruler of the Croatian lands, Count Josip Jelacic. 12 years after renaming in the center of the square, an equestrian statue of a national hero, cast in bronze, was installed.
Today it is the main meeting place for residents of Zagreb and a favorite place for tourists. The area is pedestrian, but meanwhile city tram routes pass through it.
2
Station Zagreb-Glavny
Guests of Zagreb, arriving in the capital by rail, are greeted by a handsome railway station, built in 1892.
The building, 186.5 meters long, was erected according to the project of the Hungarian architect Ferenc Pfaff, and the whole facade is decorated with beautiful sculptural compositions. The interior space is decorated with mosaics, and the halls have all the amenities for passengers and those who meet.
Today it is the most important transport hub in the South of Europe, as well as the cultural and historical landmark of the city.
On the pages of our most-beauty.ru you can also find out about the most beautiful train stations in the world
3
Cathedral
In 1094, King Lasko I ordered the establishment of a bishopric on Kaptol Hill, and the foundation of the cathedral, consecrated in honor of the Virgin Mary and two especially venerated saints, Stephen and Vladislav, dates to the same time.
The beautiful cathedral building with two twin towers was repeatedly destroyed. The first time this happened in 1242 during the Batu invasion, and the second, in 1880, when the city was destroyed by an earthquake.
Over time, the city authorities and citizens collected funds, and the beautiful cathedral was restored in the Neo-Gothic style.
4
Croatian National Theater
Built in a neo-Gothic style, the national theater has long become the main cultural center of Croatia, on the stage of which world famous artists of the world of music, opera, cinema and ballet performed.
The first troupe was formed in 1830 and performed in the building of the city hall, and in 1860 a national theater was founded. A beautiful building was built for him in the neo-baroque architectural style.
In 1905, according to the project of the famous Ivan Meshtrovich Theater, the Source of Life fountain was installed nearby, and the theater building itself is a real decoration of the Croatian capital.
And about the most beautiful fountains in the world, we have an interesting article.
5
Parliament building
A special architectural attraction is the building of the Croatian Parliament, built in 1908. The old building of 1741 was demolished and a new one was built in its place.
The building was reconstructed several times, and therefore it combines elements of various styles of architecture. Croatian architects Carlo Susan and Love Calda made a great contribution to the appearance of the building.
The building is a historical monument, since it was within its walls that the most important, crucial decisions in the life of the Croatian people and state were made.
6
Mimar Museum
The art museum, which contains unique collections of masterpieces of painting and historical artifacts, appeared thanks to collector Ante Topic Mimara.
He lived all his conscious life in Austria, and at the end of his life he decided to donate paintings from famous painters and cultural values to his historical homeland from patriotic feelings.
In 1980, the museum was founded, a photo was made describing the exhibits, and in 1987, the city authorities allocated a special building for the museum. Now in the expositions of the museum, named after the donor, more than 1.5 thousand exhibits.
7
City gate and tower Lothrschak
Naturally, Zagreb was originally a medieval fortress, and small witnesses of that distant past remained in its lower part.
City gates made of stone were erected in 1760, and today have become a real symbol of Zagreb. Near the gate there is a small chapel where the guard of the city is stored - the icon "Madonna and Child".
But the Lothrščak Tower is much older than the gate, and was erected in the 13th century. A unique architectural monument is a favorite place for tourists, and at exactly noon a cannon shot is fired from the tower.
8
Dolac Market
In any European (and not only) city, the market acts as a special attraction, and despite the similarities, each city has its own unique features.
The main market of the Croatian capital was formed in the 30s of the twentieth century, and today consists of two parts - a covered one, located at the top of the trading area, and an open one, spread out below. In the center is a bronze sculpture depicting a female merchant with a basket on her head.
In Croatian, "dolac" means "depression", but a lively, picturesque place can, on the contrary, relieve nervous stress.
9
Octogon
The building with an octagonal dome and beautiful painted stained-glass windows was erected in the Lower City in 1901, and the architect was Josip Vankash.
Initially, the first savings bank in Zagreb was located in the building, but today it is a place where shopping malls and numerous shops are located.
The floors are laid out in two-tone mosaic, and the building itself with two entrances connects Flower Square and Ilitsa Street. In the courtyard there is a monument to a dog, which, according to legend, lived with the builders of the building of the first bank.
10
Museum of Divorces
There is such an unusual museum in Zagreb that holds evidence of past love and a happy marriage.
In 2010, the initiators of its creation were the artists Olinka Vistica and her partner Drazen Grubisic. For a long time they were happy together, and after the break decided to keep evidence of past happiness.
Over time, the Museum of Broken Hearts expanded into exhibits of other broken couples, and in 2011 received a prestigious European award.
11
Botanical Garden
On direct instructions from the Austro-Hungarian government, the professor at the University of Zagreb, Antun Heins, began laying and planning the Botanical Garden in 1889.
The first visitors began to enjoy the shady alleys and the beauty of the landscape in 1891. There are English-style gardens, as well as artificial lakes and pools where marsh plants grow.
Today, the Botanical Garden of Zagreb contains more than 10 thousand plants from different climatic zones of the world, including 1,800 exotic and rare species.
12
Croatian Museum of Naive Art
The unique museum, which opened its doors to visitors in 1952, contains works by naive artists belonging to one of the areas of primitivism.
The museum's collection includes 1,850 works of contemporary art, and not only paintings, but also sculptures, posters, drawings and sketches. The expositions exhibit 80 works, mainly by Croatian masters.
The museum is located in the architectural monument Raffai Palace, built in the XVIII century.
13
Maximir Park
An amazing Maksimir park spread over 18 hectares, founded in 1794 by Bishop Maximilian Vrhovac, and therefore named in his honor.
Brown was specially invited from England to break down the park. Zagreb's largest park is decorated with numerous sculptures, small buildings built in different styles.
The famous Zagreb Zoo, which contains rare animals, is located on the territory of the park.
14
Zagreb funicular
One of the oldest modes of public transport in Zagreb connects the Lower and Upper City, and began to function in April 1893.
Its length is only 66 m, and it is one of the shortest funiculars in the world. But, what is noteworthy, the Zagreb funicular has retained its original appearance, design, which makes it a cultural and historical monument of the city.
When traveling from the funicular cars, magnificent views of Zagreb and its surroundings open up.
15
Strossmayer Gallery
It so happened that this art gallery was formed thanks to the gift of Bishop Josip Juraj Straussmeier to the city of his collection of paintings.
This gift took place in 1884, and today in the storerooms of the gallery are more than 4 thousand paintings of famous artists. The gallery itself dates back to 1860, when the bishop began to collect his collection.
In the twentieth century, the gallery included a museum of modern art, which presents the work of modern painters and sculptors.
16
St. Mark's Church
The bright and remarkable landmark of Zagreb is the oldest city building. The first mention of a religious building dedicated to St. Mark dates back to 1261.
The church was rebuilt several times, and its design has Gothic and Romanesque elements, as well as Baroque compositions. In the middle of the 19th century, the church was restored by Hungarian craftsmen, after which the building acquired its present appearance.
The whole world church is famous for its painted roof, on which the coats of arms of the city of Zagreb and the state of Croatia are laid with colored tiles.
17
Ethnographical museum
The Museum of Croatian Ethnography and Life of the Croatian people dates back to 1919, and it was founded by the Slovak textile specialist Salamon Berger.
The museum’s expositions are located in the former House of Crafts, and currently in its halls and storages there are more than 80 thousand household items and arts and crafts.
The most interesting visitors are collections of jewelry, folk costumes and old musical instruments.
18
Archaeological Museum
The museum, which contains unique artifacts, was created in 1878, and today about 450 thousand exhibits are exhibited in its storerooms and exhibits.
The collection began to be collected since 1800, and then combined under one roof. The number of artifacts is replenished by conducting new archaeological research in Croatia.
In the courtyard of the museum are the ruins of an urban settlement of Roman times, and this original open-air exhibition is open daily for viewing.
19
Mirogoj Cemetery
Founded in 1876, the cemetery today looks more like a sculpture park, and has long become the original attraction of Zagreb.
The author of the project was the Austrian architect German Bole. It was he who erected the Peter and Paul Chapel at the main entrance, and the arcades in which the famous natives of Croatia are buried.
Croatia is a busy crossroads of cultures and religions, therefore people of different faiths and nationalities are buried in the territory. Monuments in memory of independence fighters and victims of the First World War are installed in the cemetery.
20
Medvednitsa
We conclude our acquaintance with Zagreb in its environs, in the mountain range north of the Croatian capital, which has long been a favorite vacation spot for Zagreb and many tourists.
Most of the Medvednitsa is covered with dense forest, and the highest point is Mount Sleme, 1,033 m high. On one of the plateaus of the mountain, the Church of Our Lady of Slemen is comfortably located.
The unique natural park has a developed infrastructure for a comfortable pastime, and of the sights it is worth noting the Zrinsky mine, consisting of mines, the development of which began in the 15th century.
Finally
As you can see, the sights of Zagreb are diverse and numerous, and it is simply impossible to consider everything in one day, so you need to plan a tourist trip for at least a week.
So we found out what to see in Zagreb, and what is rightfully considered the pride of its wonderful inhabitants. Interestingly, since 1853, the title of Honorary Citizen of Zagreb has been awarded, and today 51 people have been awarded this title, including Josip Broz Tito, Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher and Helmut Kohl.
And what can you add about this beautiful city? Which of the sights of Zagreb made a special impression on you? We are waiting for your comments.
Article author: Valery Skiba