Discover Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia, is the city with a rich collection of cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the European, particularly Central European, culture. Proof of that lies in the historic core of the city, the Upper Town and Kaptol, a unique ancient town core by European standards, coinciding with the more recently built parts of Zagreb, and the modern buildings. Zagreb has a thousand faces and each one is - professional yet relaxed, modern, with a dash of a thousand years of longevity, cultural and economic, urban and adventurous . in short, the city you just have to get to know better.
One of the biggest Zagreb advantages is that the most cultural and historical attractions, theatres, museums and galleries are centrally located, all within 15 minutes walking distance from each other.
In addition, Zagreb and its surroundings with its exceptionally preserved nature lure numerous visitors to explore the mysteries of the region: the castles, romantic legends, vineyards, spas, local gastronomic delicacies and traditionally hospitable hosts.

The Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with its two neo-gothic towers dominate the city. Its present form dates from 19th century, although the cathedral dates from the 12th century. The cathedral treasury houses invaluable works of art.

Funicular
Attractive cable car links the Upper and Lower Town. It has only one stop and gives to the visitor a very special view of the city.

Lotrščak Tower
The best preserved object of the earlier Old Town fortifications built in 13th ct. A shot from a cannon from the Tower marks noontime every day.

St. Mark's Square
Central square of the Upper Town, named after St. Mark's Church with its colorful roof
representing the historical coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. Croatian Parliament and the Government of the Republic of Croatia are located on the square.

The Stone Gate
The only completely preserved mediaeval gate of the Upper Town fortifications. Nowadays a chappel where you can light a candle under the baroque altar in thanks to the Mother of God of the Stone Gate.

St. Catherine Church
The most beautiful baroque church in Croatia, situated on the Catherine Square, built by the Jesuits in 17th ct.

On the Slopes of Medvednica Mountain
Zagreb leans along the Medvednica Mountain which is covered with forest. You can climb to its highest mountain peak called Sljeme (1035 m) starting at the pedestrian walkway that begins in the city's central square. The western mountainside of Medvednica that covers 228 km was declared a Nature Park in 1981. Within Medvednica you can find hotel accommodation, mountain huts, hiking trails and an alpine center which offers refreshments and board. Amongst its natural highlights is one of the largest caves in Croatia called the Veternica cave.
During winter, the Medvednica Mountain is a popular ski and sleigh resort where ski events are organized, whereas during the summer season it becomes an area of refreshment as temperatures fall to six degrees less than in the city. A walking stick, sleigh or skies are a must, and dreams and stories stay the same: it was here in Sljeme, that the most famous Croatian skier of all time and the Olympic winner Janica Kostelić along with her brother Ivica, winner of the World Championship in slalom in 2003, made their first ski steps to becoming world champions!

Did you know?

- That only in Zagreb the noon is announced to everybody by the cannon from the Lotršćak Tower.

- That every day at dusk the lamplighter in the streets of the Upper Town is lighting the streetlights one by one. He is not a historical character, but a guardian of tradition and the magician of light.

- That in Zagreb you can buy the original "Croata" tie. A neck tie was first worn by Croatian horsemen who fought on the European fronts in the 17th century up to the French Revolution, when the French adopted this fashion and gave it a name "Cravat" (meaning "Croat").

- That Zagreb is the home of a ball-point pen, used by almost everyone, almost everyday, almost everywhere. It was invented by Slavoljub Penkala over 80 years ago. "Penkala", as we like to call it, is a famous Zagreb souvenir.

www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr