Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, and it is located in the northwest part of the country. It is situated on the southern slope of the Medvednica mountain and at the coast of the Sava river. Because of its convenient geographic position, Zagreb is located on the important road junction between Middle and South East Europe and Adriatic sea.
According to the last people census, Zagreb has 790.016,00 inhabitans. The city is celebrating its day on the 31th of May, which is a day of Our Lady of the Stone Gate. Various cultural, sport or gastronomic manifestations are held all over the city on that day.
Area of the city was inhabited even in the stone age. It was inhabited by the Illyrians, Celts and Romans. In the Ščitarjevo, village near Zagreb, Romans built large center, Andautonia. Today, Andautonia is an archaelogical park available for visitors.
Origin of Zagreb is mentioned for the first time in the year 1094, with formation of the Kaptol village. Besides Kaptol, there was another village called Gradec. Zagreb had turbulent history. Kamenita vrata or the Stone Gate, Popov toranj or the Priest’s tower are witnesses of that time. With growth of those two villages, city expanded on the lowlands. Square with its trading purpose eventually was formed. Today it is a Square of ban Josip Jelačić, which makes the central part of the city with its famous fountain Manduševac. Every day in the year, precisly at noon, the Grič cannon fires from Lotrščak tower and reminds us on the restless times city went through.
Historical parts of the city, Upper town with Kaptol and Down town are considered to be central parts of Zagreb nowdays. Variety of architecture from the baroque to the present day is presented in these parts of the city.
Climate
The climate of Zagreb is classified as an oceanic climate, near the boundary of the humid continental climate. Zagreb has four separate seasons. Summers are warm, and winters are cold, without a discernible dry season. The average temperature in winter is -0.5 °C (31.1 °F) and the average temperature in summer is 22.0 °C (71.6 °F). Temperatures rise above30 °C (86 °F) on an average 17 days each summer.
Sightseeing
Every year Zagreb is expanding its schedule of cultural events with various festivals, exhibitions, events and theater performances. City is responsible for 10 museums, from which the most important ones are Museum of the city Of Zagreb, Museum of Arts and Crafts and
Museum of Contemporary Art.
The city is also an owner of seven theaters. Besides theaters and museums, the central cultural institutions could easily be considered Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and Concert hall of Vatroslav Lisinski.
Mirogoj, main cemetery in Zagreb is located in the northern part of the city. It was built in the late 19th and early 20th century according to a design of famous architect Herman Bolle. Many famous people from croatian history are buried in the arcades which stand out with their exceptional beauty.
Activities
Being the largest city in Croatia, Zagreb offers a variety of amenities to make its guests more comfortable and spend more quality time outdoors. Maksimir Park, the historic park that was established in the 18th Century is located east of the city center. The park is surrounded by beautiful greenery and it provides immense pleasure to every visitor. Zagreb Zoo is also located in the park.
Recreational center Jarun with an artificial lake arranged for swimming and with a rowing trail is located in the southern part of the city. Variety of events are maintained at all times at the lake, and it is the perfect place for walking, biking, skating and other activities. When you get tired of all the activities that the lake offers, you can relax in bars and restaurants along the promenade.
Besides the lake, a popular resort is the mountain Medvednica famous by its peak Sljeme and the medieval fortress Medvedgrad. Sljeme is known world wide thanks to the maintenance of ski Cup, Snow Queen, while Medvedgrad is attended because of the numerous legends throughout the history.
Tourist Board:
Grad Zagreb
Kaptol 5
10000 Zagreb
+385 (0) 1 4898 555
dsarajlic@zagreb-touristinfo.hr
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr