Focus on a city : Zagreb - Croatia

Croatie is such a beautiful country where I've been going in vacation last month. While I went to Pag Island, I didn't have the opportunity to visit Zagreb. By writing this article about the capital of Croatia, I'm giving you the best advices in order to enjoy your trip in this city.

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Short presentation

Zagreb, Croatia's enchanting capital, covers an area of 641 km² and is home to a population of around 800,000. Nestled among the hills of northern Croatia, the city combines medieval history with urban modernity. Divided into 17 districts, each reveals a unique facet of its character. The country's economic and cultural center, Zagreb is home to numerous artistic institutions, museums and galleries.

Geopolitically, Zagreb plays a crucial role as a political, economic and diplomatic center within the European Union and the Western Balkans. Its strategic location makes it a commercial and cultural crossroads between Central and Southeastern Europe.

The picturesque architecture of the historic Gornji Grad district, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, contrasts with the contemporary vibrancy of the Lower Town, home to boutiques, trendy cafés and lively squares. The colorful and lively Dolac market reflects local culture and offers fresh produce and handicrafts.

Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Museum of Contemporary Art are among the city's cultural gems. Green spaces also abound, with Mount Sljeme offering a natural escape just a few kilometers from the center.

Zagreb is renowned for its rich music and arts scene, including the annual "INmusic" electronic music festival. In winter, the Christmas market lights up the streets with festive decorations and a warm atmosphere.

All in all, Zagreb embodies the harmony between past and present, and its significance as a cultural, economic and geopolitical center makes it both a historic and dynamic city, offering a unique experience to residents and visitors alike.

Historical background

Zagreb's history dates back to antiquity, although the city as we know it today has more recent origins. In the 1st century AD, the region was inhabited by Celts, Romans and Illyrians, marking the beginnings of its history. However, Zagreb as a city did not begin to take shape until the Middle Ages.

Around the 11th century, medieval settlements began to emerge on the hills surrounding today's city. The Gornji Grad (Upper Town) district was the epicenter of this period, with the construction of Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Fortress. During the 13th century, Croatia's union with Hungary had an impact on the city's development.

Over the centuries, Zagreb grew as a political and commercial center within the Kingdom of Croatia. The 16th century was marked by the Ottoman era and the threats it posed to the region, leading to the fortification of the city.

The Baroque period in the 17th century brought remarkable architectural features, such as St. Catherine's Church and St. Mark's Church, with its colorful roofs and famous coat of arms. At the end of the 18th century, the Habsburgs took control of the city, consolidating its status as the capital of Croatia within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The 19th century was a period of modernization, with the development of new infrastructures and economic growth. Zagreb became a cultural center, with the establishment of educational institutions and the founding of newspapers and magazines.

After the First World War, Zagreb became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During the Second World War, the city was occupied by Axis forces, leaving behind a dark period of repression and conflict.

The post-war period saw Zagreb become part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under Tito's communist regime. After the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991, Zagreb became the capital of the new Republic of Croatia, and has since flourished as the country's political, economic and cultural center.

Thus, Zagreb's complex history reflects the multiple influences that have shaped the city over the centuries, creating a captivating blend of history, architecture and culture.

Must-see places

• Zagreb Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the city's most emblematic symbols. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view.

• Place Ban Jelačić

In the heart of the city, this lively square is surrounded by historic buildings, stores and cafés. It's an ideal starting point for exploring the city.

• St. Mark's Church

Recognizable by its colorful roofs and historic coat of arms, this 13th-century church is an architectural gem in the heart of the Gornji Grad district.

• Museum of Arts and Crafts

One of the oldest technical museums in Europe, it houses a vast collection of craft, scientific and industrial objects, offering a fascinating glimpse into Croatian history.

• Museum of Contemporary Art

If you're a fan of modern art, this museum houses a rich collection of Croatian and international contemporary art.

• Kaptol Square and Dolac Square

Kaptol Square is home to the cathedral and other religious buildings, while Dolac Square is a picturesque market where you can buy fresh local produce and crafts.

• Zrinjevac Gardens

This magnificent park is the perfect place to relax, with its shady paths, statues and bandstand.

• Mimara Museum

This gallery houses an eclectic collection of European, Asian and Oriental art, ranging from the Renaissance to the modern era.

• Galerie Klovićevi Dvori

Located in the Klovićevi Dvori palace, this gallery exhibits Croatian and international works of art in an elegant historical setting.

• Mount Sljeme

For a nature getaway, take the cable car to the top of Mount Sljeme, offering panoramic views of Zagreb and the chance to hike or ski depending on the season.

These places are just a sample of what Zagreb has to offer. The city is brimming with historical, cultural and artistic treasures that will immerse you in its rich past and ever-changing contemporary scene.

Celebrities linked to Zagreb

• Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

A world-renowned inventor and electrical engineer, Tesla made a significant contribution to the development of electrical and magnetic technology. He is famous for his work on alternating currents and left a lasting legacy in the field of electrical engineering.

• Ivo Andrić (1892-1975)

Writer and diplomat, Andrić was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961. His most famous novel, "The Bridge over the Drina", explores the complex history of the Balkans and won him worldwide recognition for his contribution to literature.

• Marin Soljačić (born in 1974)

Physicist and inventor, Soljačić is best known for his work on wireless energy transfer. He played a key role in the development of coupled magnetic resonance, a technology with applications in contactless energy transmission.

• Slavenka Drakulić (born in 1949)

Writer and journalist, Drakulić is renowned for her work on political and social issues in Eastern Europe, particularly the consequences of the war in the former Yugoslavia. She is an important voice in the debate on human rights and ethnic conflicts.

• Davor Šuker (born in 1968)

A former footballer and current sports executive, Šuker left his mark on Croatian soccer history by winning the Golden Shoe at the 1998 World Cup as the tournament's top scorer. He is also President of the Croatian Football Federation and plays a key role in the development of sport in Croatia.

These personalities testify to the diversity of achievements and contributions emanating from Zagreb, whether in the fields of science, literature, technology, art or sport.

In order to conclude, if you have any ideas for improving this type of article (adding a section, for example), please let me know in the comments. Also, if there's a place in the world that you particularly like and would like me to write another article about, I invite you to submit your ideas too.

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