Beautiful places and buildings of Zagreb Croatia. Walking through Medieval Zagreb to see the main attractions. The central square of Zagreb – Ban Jelasic square

Although this city has the rank of capital independent state less than two decades, he is political and cultural center Croatia since the Middle Ages. Zagreb, where almost a quarter of the population of Croatia now lives, was formed by the merger of two medieval communities - Kaptol and Gradec, which previously existed as independent fortified settlements, but gradually, growing, began to feel like a single city.

However, Zagreb owes its current appearance to rapid development in the 19th century, and many of its buildings are perceived as monuments to the self-assertion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And even today, Zagreb is the bearer of the refined urban culture of Central Europe - public transport is reliably organized, the streets are clean, the parks are impeccably trimmed, and behind the shiny façade, life is in full swing, in which Central European, Mediterranean and Balkan cultures have merged.

IN last years Zagreb's population approached the million mark. It was replenished partly by refugees from the territories of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina affected by the 1991-1995 conflicts. Families, several generations of whom live in Zagreb, proudly call themselves purgeri - by analogy with the German “burghers”, this is a kind of trace of the Habsburg past.

Perhaps true “purgerism”, expressed in clicking heels, kissing hands and the like, has already sunk into oblivion, but the name itself exists as an important sign of Zagreb originality, and is certainly used by provincials when describing the capital's snobbery. Most foreign visitors to Croatia flock to the coast and rarely deign to visit Zagreb, which invites tourists to adapt to the successful rhythm of local life rather than rush from one tourist destination to another.

The museums here are ready to absorb the visitor, but they are rarely spectacular. A couple of days is more than enough to get an idea of what the capital has to offer - unless, of course, you find yourself caught up in the turbulent nightlife city, then, of course, it’s worth staying here longer. And of course, it’s better to walk around Zagreb during the day. The baroque streets of Kaptol and Gradec breathe coziness and are beautiful at any time of the year.

Well, the streets of the business center, which sometimes seem depressingly gloomy in winter, will barely come in spring and summer. good weather, bloom from the tables and umbrellas of numerous cafes under open air, and the popular pedestrian zones of Tkalčičev and Preradovichev Trg Square – acquire languid Mediterranean glamor. Still, you shouldn’t leave Zagreb without visiting at least somewhere in its lovely surroundings. Mount Medvednica rises from the north with a peak called Slieme - townspeople go there to relax all year round. Many places remote from the coast of Croatia can be visited as part of a one-day excursion.

Brief history of Zagreb

Despite the fact that human settlements dating back to the Iron Age have been found on Hradec Hill, real story Zagreb dates back only to 1094, when the Hungarian king Ladislas I founded an episcopate here to bring the lands of Northern Croatia under strong Hungarian control. In Kaptol (the name translates roughly as “meeting of canons at the temple”) a large church community formed around the Cathedral and a complex of episcopal buildings, and on Hradec the Hungarian crown maintained a military garrison.

Both Kaptol and were seriously damaged during the Mongol invasion of 1240-1242, and the Hungarian king Béla IV ordered the restoration of Hradec and granted it the title of Royal Free City in order to attract settlers and revive urban life here. The settlements flourished due to their location on the Adriatic trade route, despite the growing threat from the Ottoman Empire, which began to make its presence felt in the 15th century. The communities of Kaptol and Gradec rarely found a common language with each other - the dispute over control of the watermills on the river that separated them was a constant source of hostility between them.

The largest outbreak of this hostility occurred in 1527, during the dispute for the Croatian throne between the Habsburg Emperor Ferdinand II, supported by Gradec, and the Hungarian nobleman Ivan Zapolvai (supported by Kaptol). As a result, Habsburg troops plundered Kaptol. From now on, the names “Kaptol” and “Hradec” gradually began to fall out of use, and the common name Zagreb (literally: “Behind the Mountain”, based on the location of the city at the foot of Mount Medvednica) increasingly came into use.

By the end of the 16th century most of The territory of Croatia remote from the coast came under the control of the Ottoman Empire - the country's territory was reduced to a northern enclave, the center of which was Zagreb. Although the city served as the seat of the Croatian Sabor (parliament), whose meetings were largely ceremonial, Zagreb increasingly became a provincial backwater of the Habsburg Empire, and the Croatian language was replaced by German, Hungarian and Latin.

Only towards the middle XIX century the growth of Croatian national consciousness confirmed Zagreb's status as the custodian of national culture. The establishment of the Academy of Arts and Sciences (1866), the Philharmonic Orchestra (1871), the University (1874) and the National Theater (1890) strengthened Zagreb residents' sense of the cultural identity of the Croatian capital. Architect Hermann Bolle (1845-1926), German by nationality, was the creator of the School of Arts and Crafts, the Zagreb Cathedral and the Mirogoj Cemetery, which occupy an important place in the architectural profile of the new Zagreb.

With the creation of Yugoslavia in 1918, political power shifted from Vienna to a city that most Croats considered a remote Balkan backwater. The situation changed significantly after World War II, when it received the status of a Socialist Republic, and Zagreb became the seat of its government. However, the city still felt a sense of inferiority due to being overshadowed by Belgrade.

The 1950s-1960s were a period of great architectural changes - the ambitious mayor Vecheslav Holevac carried out a large-scale expansion of the city in south direction, and a new residential area was born - New Zagreb. The city survived the collapse of Yugoslavia relatively painlessly, despite sporadic missile attacks by the Serbs. Life in post-communist Zagreb was initially characterized by stagnation and corruption, but over the past decade the capital has been transformed by business development and has taken on a stylish, prosperous and optimistic appearance.

In contact with

Zagreb, capital of Croatia, less known Russian tourists than cities located on the coast. However, you can come to Zagreb not only to get to know the city, but also, for example, to start a journey through Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and even Austria from here.

Air traffic

To get to Zagreb from Moscow, you can take a direct flight from Aeroflot (ticket price from 15 thousand rubles) or a flight with connections at various European airlines. The most interesting prices Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines offer (from 12 thousand rubles for a round trip ticket). From St. Petersburg you can only get to Zagreb with a transfer using the same airlines as from Moscow; ticket prices are almost identical.

Flight time from Moscow to Zagreb is approximately 3 hours.

You can get from the airport, located 15 km from the city, to the center of Zagreb by bus, which departs every half hour. The fare is 30 kuna (about 5 euros). Bus schedules from the airport can be found on the website http://www.plesoprijevoz.hr

Railway connection

You can come to Zagreb by rail both from neighboring countries and from Adriatic coast countries. For example. Railway connects Zagreb with Vienna, Venice, Budapest, Belgrade, Munich, Ljubljana, Split. Local train schedule international traffic You can find out more on the website read in full

Is the answer helpful?

Weather in Zagreb by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day
Month	During the day	At night	Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day

January	3.1°C	-0.5°C	55.3%	3 days (54.1 mm.)	9 o'clock 8m.

February	4.6°C	0.1°C	58.2%	5 days (64.1 mm.)	10 o'clock 23m.

March	11.2°C	4.2°C	43.5%	4 days (52.9 mm.)	11 o'clock 56m.

April	17.0°C	7.9°C	38.5%	5 days (59.1 mm.)	13:00 34m.

May	20.4°C	10.5°C	36.8%	9 days (108.5 mm.)	14h. 56m.

June	25.7°C	14.8°C	26.6%	5 days (71.0 mm.)	15h. 40m.

July	28.0°C	16.7°C	23.6%	6 days (64.1 mm.)	15h. 18m.

August	28.6°C	16.8°C	19.6%	3 days (38.6 mm.)	14h. 5m.

September	22.2°C	13.2°C	34.2%	5 days (85.9 mm.)	12h. 32m.

October	16.0°C	8.7°C	37.3%	5 days (60.7 mm.)	10 o'clock 55m.

November	9.8°C	5.3°C	44.3%	4 days (67.4 mm.)	9 o'clock 29m.

December	4.9°C	1.2°C	40.5%	3 days (38.2 mm.)	8h. 44m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

Is this review helpful?

The beautiful capital of Croatia

As such, the city of Zagreb - the beautiful capital of Croatia began with small settlement, formed as a result of the merger in the 7th century of two small towns - Hradec and Kaptol. The bulk of the buildings of medieval Zagreb are intact and intact to this day. The Upper Town, located in the north-eastern part of the capital, contains monuments ancient culture and ancient buildings, but the Lower Town is mainly built up with modern buildings. Of course, the numerous pedestrian areas with open cozy cafes and restaurants scattered throughout its territory give a special charm to ancient Zagreb.

While walking along the quiet and picturesque streets of the city, you can get acquainted with big amount museums, parks, galleries, cathedrals and monasteries. The symbol of the capital is St. Stephen's Cathedral. Not far from it there is a memorial pillar, the top of which is crowned with a gilded sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Since the beginning of the 13th century, burials of not only the highest church hierarchs, but also representatives of the Croatian nobility were carried out in the cathedral. Literally next to the cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace, built in the classical Baroque style. Work to rebuild the palace took a very long time - from the 13th to the 19th centuries. One of oldest buildings Zagreb is also considered a Franciscan monastery, which has existed here since the life of Francis of Assisi, that is, from about the 13th century.

In the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is divided by the Upper Town and the Lower Town, and in each of them there is something to see and a place to walk: a lot of galleries, museums, architectural monuments, cathedrals, parks. But all the most interesting sights of Zagreb can be seen in one day, because most of them are located close to each other.

The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) houses most of the historical attractions of the Croatian capital. Gornji Grad is located on two hills – Kaptol and Hradec. Once there were separate settlements here, but over time they united, and a new street, Tkalchicheva, settled between the hills.

Gornji Grad is favorite place walks not only for tourists, but also for residents of Zagreb. The beautiful cobblestone streets attract with numerous cafes and bakeries - the latter offering delicious fresh bread and a variety of pastries. In the evening, Verkhniy Grad is especially romantic: ancient gas lanterns, lit by lamplighters, are still used to illuminate it.

Cathedral The Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Zagreb is a landmark throughout Croatia, because it is the largest Catholic church in the country. The cathedral is located on Kaptol Square 31, and thanks to two 105 m high towers it is clearly visible from anywhere in Zagreb.

The building is decorated in a neo-Gothic style, the windows are decorated with multi-colored stained glass windows. Everything is simple inside: a beautiful altar, a carved pulpit and many carved comfortable benches. When going inside, you need to be mentally prepared for the fact that on the altar there is a transparent glass sarcophagus with the ashes of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, who lived in Croatia during the Second World War.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is operational. There is a schedule at the entrance; you can see in advance when the service is held and attend it. During the service, solemn sounds of the organ are heard, strong male singing sounds - just close your eyes, and you can imagine that this is an opera. Photography and video recording are permitted during the Mass.

Access to the interior ends around 19:00. But if the entrance is already closed, and there are still people inside, then you can try to go into the side door on the left side of the building, where parishioners usually exit.

Tkalchicheva Street

Residents of Zagreb simply call Tkalčićeva Street “Old Tkalča”. A walk along it is included in the program of almost everyone tourist routes introducing the sights of Zagreb. There are always a lot of people here, very lively and noisy - not only in the season, but even in rainy autumn weather. But still, the townspeople managed to maintain a special, incomparable provincial atmosphere.

This is where most of the restaurants, bars, cafes, and souvenir shops located in Gornji Grad are concentrated. Similar establishments are found everywhere here, and they all occupy ancient restored authentic buildings, which are attractions in themselves. As for prices, they vary - from minimal to very high.

Monument to Maria Jurich

At the beginning of the street there is a monument to the Croatian writer Maria Juric, known under the pseudonym Zagorka. A little further there is another monument dedicated to one of the girls Zagorka wrote about, who, due to circumstances, ended up in a brothel. This sculpture ended up here not by chance, because in the 19th century there were many brothels on Tkalčićeva.

To the left of the monument there is a modest path leading to a narrow, steep staircase - this is the ascent to Hradec Hill.

The Church of St. Mark is a bright, colorful landmark of the capital of Croatia, located on a hill Hradec at Trg Sv. Marka 5.

The southern portal of this temple is very interesting, where in separate niches there are 15 wooden sculptures– at the top the Virgin Mary with Joseph and the baby Jesus, at the bottom there are 12 apostles.

But in Croatia and far beyond its borders, the Church of St. Mark gained fame thanks to its unique tiled roof - so unusual that all guests of Zagreb rush to see it. On the high and steep slope of the roof, 2 coats of arms are laid out with tiles of different colors: Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.

And around the church there is a completely deserted stone square - no trees, no decorative objects. Probably so that the eye does not get distracted from the colorful roof.

But there are a lot of people here. Mostly tourists - singles and organized groups - who are interested in seeing this unique attraction of Croatia.

It has already been noted that the Lotrschak Tower is in close proximity from the funicular station, at Strossmayerovo šetalište, 9.

This majestic square-shaped structure, which served to guard the southern entrance to Gradec, is little of what has survived from the ancient fortress walls.

Now on the ground floor of the building there is a souvenir shop and an exhibition gallery where you can view masterpieces of painting.

But the main thing that makes the Lotrschak Tower interesting is the observation deck, to which a wooden spiral staircase leads. To climb it, especially in hot weather, will require some effort, but the view from above is worth it: you can look at the whole of Zagreb from a bird's eye view and make unique photos attractions.

As you go up the stairs, you can see a cannon behind a glass partition. Every day at exactly noon a deafening shot is heard from it, by which the townspeople are accustomed to checking their watches.

Entrance to the tower is open: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 21:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00.
And you can see this majestic structure from the outside at any convenient time.

Starting immediately from the Lotršak tower, the picturesque Strossmayer embankment (Strossmayerovo šetalište 16-99) stretches along the southern fortress wall of Hradec.

From this alley, partly resembling a balcony mounted on a fortress wall, you can see beautiful and very impressive views of the Lower City. In the evening it is quite crowded, with a lot of young people gathering.

This pedestrian alley, paved with paving stones, leads down to the central city square of Ban Jelačić and to Nizhny Grad.

Ban Jelačić Square

At the foot of the Kaptol and Hradec hills lies main square Zagreb, named after the commander Josip Jelacic (Trg bana Jelasica) and acting as a kind of border between the Upper City and the Lower City.

Trg bana Jelasica offers a magnificent view of the main city avenue, along which many trams travel. Narrow shopping streets of Zagreb depart from the same square, including one of the most famous - Ilica. Various social events and fairs of all kinds are held here, and there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the nearby buildings.

By the way, a tourist office is open in house number 11. Except detailed map city there you can take brochures with photos and descriptions of the sights of Zagreb.

Here, or rather on the nearest Tomic street, there is a funicular station. With its help you can get to the Upper Town, straight to the Lotrschak Tower. This line is the shortest in the world - only 66 m, travel time is about 1 minute.

The funicular operates from 6:30 to 22:00, departing every 10 minutes.
Travel pass cost tickets – 4 kuna.

Before heading from Jelačić Square to New town, worth a look underground tunnel Grik, located in the very center of Zagreb, under historical district Hradec.

From the central hall (about 100 m²) of the tunnel, 2 main corridors stretch for 350 m. One of them comes out with east side- in the courtyard on Radicevaa street 19, and the other from the west - on Mesnička street. There are 4 more side branches that extend south to Jelačić Square - one of these exits is located on Tomića Street 5a, the second is on Ilica Street.

The tunnel was created during World War II and has recently been reconstructed and began to be used as a venue for cultural events. From time to time, various exhibitions with interactive elements are organized there, and concerts are held.

This Zagreb landmark is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00.
The entrance is free.

Compare accommodation prices using this form

Donji Grad, where buildings of the 19th century predominate, was built very thoughtfully. On the flat terrain in front of the Hradec and Kaptol hills, numerous parks and squares with fountains, plane tree alleys, and sculptures are arranged in a beautiful chain in the shape of the letter “U”. In Zagreb they are called "Lenuzzi's horseshoe" in honor of the architect who designed them.

The buildings along these parks look like closed fortresses: their front facades look out, and green courtyards are hidden behind them.

Croatian National Theater

Among the numerous buildings, the grandiose Croatian National Theater ( the exact address Trg Marshala Tita 15). The theater is decorated in the neo-Baroque style, and once you look at it, it immediately becomes clear that this is the main theater in the country. In front of the main entrance, another attraction is the famous “Source of Life” fountain.

It is in this part of Nizhny Grad that most of Zagreb's museums are located: the Moderna Gallery, the Mimara Art Museum, the Art Pavilion, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, the archaeological and ethnographic museums. Their doors are open to everyone who wants to see interesting exhibits and get to know the history and culture of Croatia better.

Archaeological Museum

In the Archaeological Museum of Zagreb, located at Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19, collected objects that were found on the territory of modern Croatia. There are several exhibitions dating back to prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods.

There really is something to see:

Etruscan writings

Etruscan writing written on the cotton ribbons in which the mummy was wrapped;
objects of Vučedol culture, including the famous dove;
objects found during excavations of an ancient Roman village in Northern Dalmatia;
large-scale collection of numismatics.

Viewing starts from the 3rd floor, you can get there by elevator. The elevator is also a landmark, as it is over 100 years old.

In one of the halls of the museum there is a 3D printer that prints a copy of the famous “Vucedol dove”. And in the courtyard there is a gift shop where replicas of artifacts are sold.

In the courtyard, among the stone statues of the Roman era, a cozy cafe welcomes visitors.

You can visit the museum and see its exhibits at the following times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday - from 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday - from 10:00 to 13:00.
Entry cost ticket 20 kn.

Mirogoj Cemetery

Near the intersection of the Mirogojska highway and Hermana Bolle street there is the Mirogojskoe cemetery, address: Mirogoj Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27. You can get to it on foot - it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the center, but it will be more convenient to go from Kaptol Square by buses No. 106 and 226 or by trams No. 8 and 14.

All tourists strive to visit this attraction - even those who came to the capital of Croatia for a short time and are wondering what to see in Zagreb in 1 day. This is not surprising, because Mirogoy is recognized as the most beautiful cemetery in Europe.

According to the architect Hermann Bolle, the Mirogojskoe cemetery has the appearance of a fortress - calm and open to all who enter. At the main entrance, on a wide round base, surrounded by four stone towers, stands the majestic Peter and Paul Chapel. The dome of the chapel, painted in blue-green colors, follows the shape of the dome of St. Peter's Church in the Vatican. The attraction of Mirogoj is its main gate and arcades, located near the western wall. In principle, the entire cemetery is an open-air museum where you can see exhibits such as sculptures, tombs, crypts, and mausoleums.

But it is also the burial place of many famous people. There are entire family tombs of prominent Croatian figures here. Also buried are emigrants who came to Croatia in the 20th century from Russian Empire. The German military cemetery is located at Mirogoj, there are monuments to Yugoslav heroes. There are also monuments to Croatians who died in the War of Independence and the First World War.

Visiting hours for Mirogoj Cemetery from 6:00 to 20:00
The entrance is free.

Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form

Maksimir Park

A little away from the main tourist routes of Zagreb is the oldest park in south-eastern Europe - Maksimirsky. It is located in the eastern part of the city, and can be reached from the center by tram in 10-15 minutes.

The park is very big. First comes a more landscaped area: there is a cafe, a children's playground, alpine slides, lakes, and paved paths. If you go a little deeper, a real forest begins, in which shady groves smoothly turn into clearings illuminated by the bright sun. However, there are comfortable benches and trash cans throughout the area, everything is very clean. It’s nice to walk here, look around, feel merging with nature.

The Maksimir natural complex is ideal for active rest. Thanks to the varied terrain with elevation changes and many paths, runners and cyclists choose convenient routes.

Many people here walk with animals. By the way, there is a zoo on the territory of Maksimir. Although there are not too many animals, they are all kept clean and looking at them is a real pleasure.

Maksimir is open to visitors daily from 9:00 until sunset, the zoo is open until 16:00.
Entrance to the park is free.

The Ethnographic Museum of Zagreb is housed in a building built by architect Vekoslav Bastl at the beginning of the 19th century. Initially used to host various exhibitions, the building later became a museum, which today houses more than 80,000 exhibits within its walls. At the same time, only three thousand are exhibited for public viewing; there was simply no room for the rest of the exhibits in the halls of the museum.

The main goal of the exhibition is to tell as colorfully as possible about the history of the development of Croatian culture. There is everything here, from precious jewelry made of gold and silver to kitchen utensils and household items. Of particular interest is the collection of dolls by Leposav Perinich - all the dolls are dressed in real national costumes.

Stone gate

In past times, the entrance to Zagreb's Upper Town was guarded by five fortified gates, which were partially destroyed after a fire. Today, the Stone Gate represents the last surviving part of the former fortifications. After a walk around modern Zagreb, you should definitely go to Gradec, the path to which will lie through the famous Stone Gate. The amazing and exciting atmosphere of the Middle Ages will take tourists back to the glorious times when Zagreb received the status of a free royal city. There is a legend inextricably linked with the era of the Middle Ages. During the great fire, it was miraculously possible to save the icon of the Mother of God and Child, which was placed directly under the gate structure for safety. Over time, a chapel with an image of the Virgin Mary was built here, who was proclaimed the patron saint of not only the Stone Gate, but of the whole of Zagreb.

What sights of Zagreb did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Zagreb Airport

Zagreb Airport is the main one international Airport Croatia. It is located 10 kilometers from the Central railway station Zagreb.

The first passenger terminal in Zagreb appeared in 1959. Since 1962, Zagreb Airport began to provide regular air services.

During the existence of the airport, a lot of work was carried out on its reconstruction: new terminals were built, the runway was lengthened, and equipment was modernized. Zagreb Airport continues to develop to this day. Thus, during 2012-2015 it is planned to build a new passenger terminal with a capacity of about 5 million people per year. The total cost of this project is estimated at 324 million euros.

The building-palace of the Mimara Museum was built specifically to house a collection of priceless exhibits that were presented to the city by Mr. Ante Topić Mimara. Despite the fact that Ante Mimara spent almost his entire life in Austria, he managed to collect such an extensive collection that it was necessary to build an entire building to house it.

In total, 3,750 pieces of art are on display in the building, built in the neo-Renaissance style. Among them are 450 paintings by famous artists (Raphael, Velazquez, Rubens, Rembrandt, Goya), 200 sculptures by famous masters (Auguste Rodin, Jean-Antoine Houdon), etc.

Museum of Primitive Art

The Croatian Museum of Naive Art, which is located in Zagreb, today attracts more and more curious tourists. With main directions in fine arts, one way or another, everyone is familiar. But what is primitive art? Yes, there is no clarity of lines, no proportion of elements, the work is not done according to established canons - this is an alternative and is of interest to museum guests. It arose in the mid-20th century on the basis of an exhibition dedicated to the works of primitivist artists. Today the Museum of Naive Art in Croatia is considered the first and largest exhibition complex similar kind in the world. The works of such famous masters of a curious genre as Lavoslav Torti, Mijo Kovacic, Emeric Fejes, Ivan Generalich are demonstrated here.

St. Mark's Church

The Church of St. Mark, located in Zagreb, is not only the spiritual center of the city, but is also rightfully considered its main attraction and symbol. On the amazingly beautiful roof of the church, covered with multi-colored tiles, the coat of arms of Zagreb and the united Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia are depicted. You can imagine how beautifully the white and red colors of the slabs play in the rays of the sun! The church itself is relatively small in size; numerous reconstructions in the 13th and 14th centuries modified its original appearance. Today, the walls of the church are decorated with ancient frescoes by both Croatian and European masters. Images of members of the royal family convey a huge amount of respect that is held for them local residents. The entrance to the church is guarded by a silent guard - on the northwestern wall there is an ancient coat of arms of the city with the image of a formidable lion.

Trakošćan Castle

While in the north of Croatia, be sure to visit one of the most beautiful and romantic castles - Traškočan Castle. Surrounded by forests and gardens, Traškočan has been rising on a picturesque hill for more than eight centuries (the first mention of the castle dates back to 1300). The location of the castle cannot be called accidental - it is the most high point in the area, allowing you to control all surroundings.

Over the course of its history, the castle has changed many eminent owners. Once upon a time, the Drachenstein knightly order was stationed here. In the 16th century, Traškočan Castle was taken over by the Drašković family. Today the castle belongs to the state, which opened a museum in it. Of particular interest are the knights' rooms and the collection of hunting trophies.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Zagreb? .

Zagreb History Museum

It's hard to imagine an easier way to gain insight into the history of a new city than visiting a historical museum. In the upper part of Zagreb there is a museum of the history of the city, which will help travelers take an excursion into the past. Vintage cards, the evolution of military weapons and uniforms, coats of arms, standards, flags, household items and even ancient archaeological excavations will complete the picture. The museum building itself is also unique, which consists of three separate buildings: observation tower XII century, convent St. Clara of the 17th century and the largest granary in the city of the 17th century. A special contribution to the development of the museum and financial assistance for the purchase of certain types of exhibits were made by the singer Milka Trnina, the architect Viktor Kovacs and the composer Ivan Zayc. Thanks to their work, the museum’s collection expanded and now includes more than 75 thousand works of art.

The most popular attractions in Zagreb with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Zagreb on our website.

Individual and group

More attractions of Zagreb

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, stands on the banks of the Save River at the foot of mountain range Medvednitsa. Its historical core - the Upper Town - consisted of two medieval cities located on neighboring hills: Kaptola - the spiritual center of the diocese, and Gradec, which received the status of a free city from the Hungarian king in the 13th century. Constantly at odds with each other, at the beginning of the 17th century they merged into one city - Zagreb.

IN Upper town The main attractions are concentrated: Parliament and the Presidential Residence. And although most of the ancient buildings were destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1880, some of the churches and palaces of the Croatian nobility have been restored. Below on the plain lies the Lower City with parks and squares, museums, galleries and National Theater. A special charm of Zagreb is given by the pedestrian areas scattered throughout it with cozy cafes and restaurants with terraces and balconies decorated with flowers.

How to get to Zagreb

Search for flights to Zagreb

Transport

The most popular public transport in Zagreb is the blue-painted buses, which run from 4:00 to 0:00 at short intervals on a variety of routes. In second place are trams, some of which run around the clock. Tickets are sold at a variety of kiosks, including newspaper and tobacco shops. You can buy them from the driver for more high price. A validated single ticket is valid for 1.5 hours.

For those who plan to make more than two trips in a day, it makes sense to buy a Dnevna Karta - a “day card” that gives the right to an unlimited number of trips on any type of public transport from the moment of purchase until 4:00 the next day.

The oldest form of transport in Zagreb is the funicular, whose carriages have been slowly crawling along inclined rails between the Upper and Lower towns for 130 years. Opening hours from 6:30 to 22:00, traffic interval is 10 minutes.

From the Zagreb bus station (Marina Dzica, 4) you can take comfortable buses from the companies Croatia Bus (office site in English), AutoHerc, Autopromet to Split (5.5 hours), Pula (4 hours), Rijeka (1. 5 hours), Dubrovnik (9.5 hours) and other cities in the country. The frequency of flights is 5-10 per day, the prices are very humane.

Taxis in Zagreb can be ordered by phone, via the Internet or taken at special parking lots in the Upper and Lower towns, near the main stations, large shopping centers and tourist attractions. The cost of a trip within the city is 80 HRK, payment by meter, tips are welcome. At night and on weekends the tariff is 15-20% higher. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.

Bicycles for rent

With the exception of the Upper Town with its steep cobbled streets, Zagreb is very bike-friendly. The companies Bike.com.hr (office site in English) and Blue Bike (office site in English) organize bicycle excursions around the city and surrounding area, and also rent bicycles (city, road, mountain) for a period of 3 hours to several days. The cost of 1 day rental is from 100 HRK.

Maps of Zagreb

Car rental in Zagreb

Cozy, green and hilly, Zagreb is not suitable for cars - you need to walk here. But you won’t be able to visit the surrounding beauty, mountains, gorges, ancient cities and monasteries, or, for good measure, go to the sea, which is at most 4 hours away, without a car. At the airport and in the city itself there are representative offices of international car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, etc.) and local ones (Right Cars, Uniline, Last Minute, etc.). Prices compared to Western Europe, pleasantly pleased, especially when booked in advance.

Unlike international ones, local offices are ready to accept cash payments.

On weekdays, parking in the central part of the city is paid. The zones differ in color - red (in the very center, where you can leave the car for 1 hour), orange (2 hours) and yellow (unlimited time). Payment for parking - at the parking meter in cash or via SMS. You can leave your car in underground and multi-storey car parks with a barrier without any time limit.

The organization of traffic in Zagreb is well-thought-out and well-informed. In the Upper Town, the roads are narrow, steep, and one-way. In Nizhny they are comfortable and wide; during the day they seem empty. The maximum traffic density is from 8:00 to 9:00 on weekdays, and the concept of “traffic jam” is simply absent here. The police treat foreigners who unwittingly violate traffic rules leniently, especially if the culprit expresses sincere repentance.

The fine for unpaid parking is 100-300 HRK, exceeding the speed limit up to 10 km/h - 300 HRK, up to 30 km/h - 500-1000 HRK, not wearing a seat belt or talking on the phone while driving - 500 HRK. The fine must be paid at a bank or post office within 8 days.

Zagreb Card

Tourist card Zagreb Card (office site in English) is sold in tourist offices and many hotels in the city. It comes in two types - valid for 24 hours (98 HRK) and 72 hours (135 HRK). During this time, its owner can ride for free on all types of public transport, including the funicular. In addition, the card entitles you to free visit Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb City Museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, original Museum of Broken Relationships, observation deck"Zagreb 360º" and the Zoo. The total cost of tickets to these places along with trips to public transport, more than 2 times the cost of the Zagreb Card itself.

In addition to this, the Zagreb Card provides the opportunity to receive discounts of up to 50% when visiting another 76 objects - museums, restaurants, shops, and also take advantage of more favorable conditions when renting a car.

Zagreb Hotels

Despite its capital status, prices for accommodation in Zagreb are pleasantly surprising. In the upper price category are hotels of the world famous chains Sheraton Zagreb and The Westin. The cheapest double deluxe room costs from 1100 HRK, with another 160 HRK for a luxurious breakfast. A very high level of service in the palace hotels The Regent Esplanade and Le Premier, built during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The cost of “fours” lies in the range of 300-700 HRK. They attract with good service, spacious rooms, new furniture and fixtures. The most expensive ones have spa and fitness centers, swimming pools, restaurants and facilities for guests with disabilities.

Free Wi-Fi almost everywhere. Free parking- only in hotels on the outskirts of the city. Many central hotels do not have parking at all or for a fee.

What to bring

Perhaps the most romantic souvenir from Zagreb is the Licidar heart - a honey gingerbread in the shape of a bright red heart. In 2010, this symbol of the Croatian capital was included in the List of Intangible cultural heritage UNESCO. Traditionally, they decorate Christmas trees and are given as a sign of devotion and love.

A silk tie would be a good gift for a business partner, because Croatia is the birthplace of this must-have accessory for a true gentleman. Women are delighted with the unusually beautiful page lace. Skilled craftswomen from the island of Page have been weaving them since time immemorial, but “white Croatian gold” was introduced into European fashion at the beginning of the 20th century by the Austrian Archduchess Maria Josephine, who specially came to the island to order lace. In addition to them, the island is home to the best sheep's milk cheese in Croatia, Paži, whose taste is determined by the sage and rosemary growing here.

Lovers of spirits should leave room in their luggage for the famous plum brandy. The aromatic cherry liqueur Moraschino, which Casanova admired, is very good. Among the wines, you should give preference to the dry red “Dingaya”.

In souvenir shops great amount handicrafts - dolls in national costumes, terracotta, painted ceramic dishes, napkins and tablecloths from Osijek, embroidered with gold and silver thread. The favorites of any jewelry store are “morchichi”: all kinds of earrings, pendants, brooches in the form of a black Moor’s head in a turban. The history of the appearance of this talisman that brings happiness is hundreds of years old. Usually the Moor's head is made of ceramics, but the turban can be silver or gold, decorated with precious stones.

Cuisine and restaurants of Zagreb

In Zagreb, as in all of Croatian Zagorje, hearty meat cuisine predominates. It is easy to discern the influence of past and present neighbors. Austrian schnitzel, thick gravy based on Hungarian paprika, spicy Slovenian sausage “kulen”. The Turkish trace is in all kinds of kebabs and meatballs, and the old connection with Vienna is felt in desserts, pastries and cakes.

Zagreb - capital sea country. Fish, octopus, squid, and edible shellfish come to restaurants directly from the Adriatic Sea.

On the go, you can have a snack “burek” - a pie filled with meat, cheese or potatoes (10-20 HRK). This most common Croatian fast food is sold everywhere. In the cafes, which are open from early morning until late evening, you can drink a cup of coffee and enjoy “riganise” donuts with jam or “palachinke” sweet pancakes with various fillings.

In the “pivnitsa”, Croatians drink beer - their own or from famous world brands. Konoba serves mostly wine. These tavern-like family establishments are mid-priced - a good meal here costs around 80 HRK. It is here that you should order authentic dishes - Zagreb steak with cheese and ham or “kotlovina” - meat stewed in wine with spices. The restaurants offer not only local but also international cuisine. Dinner with moderate alcohol in them - 150-200 HRK.

A special feature of Zagreb is its numerous fountains with drinking water. You can use them to fill a bottle with water or just wash your face in the heat.

The best photos of Zagreb

Guides in Zagreb

Entertainment and attractions

The Croatian capital has many parks, museums, galleries, monasteries and cathedrals. The symbol of the city is St. Stepan's Cathedral, next to which stands a memorial pillar topped with a gilded figure of the Holy Virgin Mary. Since the 13th century, the highest hierarchs of the church and the Croatian nobility were buried there. Next to the temple is the Baroque Archbishop's Palace, which was rebuilt over the course of the 13th-19th centuries. The local Franciscan monastery with the Church of St. Francis has existed since the time of Francis of Assisi (13th century).

The center of Hradec is considered to be the Gothic Church of St. Marka (Trg Sv. Marka 5, 10000), near which the buildings of the Croatian National Assembly (1908) and presidential palace Banski Dvori. In addition, in this part of the city you can visit the Croatian Historical Museum (office site in English), the Museum of Naive Art (Ul. Sv. Cirila I Metoda, 3, Gornji grad 10000), Historical Museum(Ul. Antuna Gustava Matosa 9, 10000).

The lower city was built in accordance with the urban planning plans of 1865 and 1889. Its blocks, squares, parks and mansions are designed primarily in the style of eclecticism, neoclassicism and secession. The Archaeological Museum (office site in English), the Strossmayer Gallery (Trg Nikole Subica Zrinskog 11, 10000), and the Academy are located here. fine arts(office site in English).

On King Tomislav Square there is an equestrian monument to the first Croatian king. On Marshal Tito Square is the neo-baroque building of the Croatian National Theater. The square in front of the theater is decorated with the “Fountain of Life” by Ivan Meštrović. And next to the National Theater is the Mimara Museum, where paintings by famous artists are kept.

In the eastern part of Zagreb lies the largest garden and park ensemble in Croatia, “Maksimir” (Maksimirski perivoj, 10000) - an English-style park laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1925, a zoo was opened here. Another example of gardening art in the English style is the Mirogoj cemetery (1876, Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, 10000), which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The highlights of the cemetery are its entrance gate and arcades along the western wall, where the rich and famous residents of the Croatian capital found their eternal rest.

December

The climate of Zagreb is moderate continental. Winter is relatively snowy and cold, especially in January and February. Spring is the most comfortable time to explore the city. However, in May the temperature can exceed 30 °C. June is the summer record holder for the most rain. The hottest months are July and August. The beginning of autumn is warm and rainy, but by the end of October night temperatures can drop below zero.