WHY VISIT ZAGREB
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is located between the southern slopes of Mount Medvednica and the north bank of the Sava, in the northwestern part of the Pannonian plain.
The area of Zagreb was inhabited since the Neolithic, but the true history of the city occurs only from the eleventh century. Gradec and Kaptol were two centers that collaborated exclusively for commercial purposes, but in the early seventeenth century became a single city: Zagreb. In 1557 for the first time, Zagreb was listed in the annals as the Capital of the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia. 1669 was a very important year for the cultural life of the city as the Royal University was founded by the King of Croatia and Hungary, Leopold I. Towards the end of the 19th century, Zagreb became the main seat of the Irrationalism and Illyrism of Austria; after the First World War, the whole city and Croatia became part of Yugoslavia.
Eating in Zagreb is an exciting experience; the culinary tradition of the city has undergone Austro-Hungarian influences. Some typical dishes are the various appetizers that see the pagoda or Lika cheese as the protagonist, the Cesnjovke, the Salta od hobotnice, the crni rizot, the rizot sa skampima, and the fish stew riblji paprikas. The most famous desserts are: palacinke, pogaca and rozata.
In Zagreb, various events are held throughout the year, such as the Summer Festival, the International Folklore Festival, and the International Autumn Fair, which is a cross-cutting event dedicated to crafts, science and technology. The Biennale di Contemporary Musica is also very awaited, alternating every year with the Animation Film Festival; in addition, there are many events of classical music, jazz, theater and dance.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is located between the southern slopes of Mount Medvednica and the north bank of the Sava, in the northwestern part of the Pannonian plain.
WHAT TO SEE IN ZAGREB
Top attractions not to be missed are:
- Tkalciceva Street
- King Tomislav Square (Tomislav trg)
- Radiceva Street
- Ilica Street
- The Well of Life
- Jelacic Square (Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica)
- Funicular Railway
- Marshal Tito Square / Trg Marsala Tita
- Art Pavilion (Umjetnicki Paviljon)
- St. Mark’s Square
- The Golden Hall of the Croatian Institute of History
- Croatian National Bank
- Porta di Pietra (Kamenita Vrata)
Following instead some hidden spots of the city that only locals know!
- Tunel Gric
- Britanac and Dolac markets
- Kallina House
- Kresimirac park
- Giant Whale Mural (Strossmayerovo šetalište, 10000)
WHEN TO GO TO ZAGREB
Best period to visit Zagreb is from April to September.
Following a list of main events and typical festivals and celebrations of Zagreb.
HOW TO REACH AND MOVE IN ZAGREB
The main airport is the Zagreb Airport
download the transportation map
WHAT TO DO IN ZAGREB
typical dishes of Zagreb are:
- Pršut i paški sir: air-dried ham similar to Italian prosciutto and sheep’s cheese from the island of Pag;
- Salata od hobotnice: octopus salad with potato, onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon;
- Crni riýot: black risotto made from cuttlefish, cooked in its own ink;
- Janjetina: roast lamb, often cooked whole on a spit;
- Tartufi: truffles, found widely in Istria;
- Fuži: pasta, where the dough has been rolled into a cylinder and often filled, typical in Istria;
- Salata od jastoga: salad of lobster served with herbs and olive oil;
- Grah: soup of paprika-spiced haricot beans with sausage pieces;
- Pariški odrezak: pork or veal schnitzel fried in batter, or stuffed with cheese and ham;
- Strukli: boiled parcels of dough filled with cottage cheese, or baked in earthenware, resulting in a kind of cheese lasagne-cum-pastry;
- Rožata: a type of crème caramel;
- Beer: Best known brands include Pan, Karlovacko, and Ozujsko (lagers), plus Tomislav (a dark beer);
- Wine: including Plavac Mali (red) and whites such as Malvazija, Grasevina, and Posip;
- Rajika: fruit brandy of different tastes such as walnut, plum or grape;
typical souvenirs of Zagreb are:
- Neckties, said to be invented here in the 17th century;
- Licitar Heart, typical in Zagreb, red hearts made of honey and gingerbread decorated with different decorations and phrases;
- Chocolate, wine, olive oil
- Rakija (fruit brandy) or Maraschino (a Zadar’s cherry distillate)
- Samobor hand-made glass art makings;
- Plaques with Glagolitic writings;
- Wooden toys form Hrvatsko Zagorje
- Croatian hand-crafted laces
- Sestine umbrella, Zagreb bright red umbrellas lined with colorful lines;
The main theatre in Zagreb is the Croatian national theatre.
