Zagreb Croatia
The history of Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, began long ago, back in the 7th century, when the two settlements of Kaptol and Gradec merged into one city. Most of the medieval constructions in Zagreb have been preserved intact. The north-eastern part of Zagreb, the Upper Town, still displays old buildings and cultural monuments, while the Lower Town has been rebuilt into modern districts. The special charm of the city is given by the countless cozy cafes, restaurants and flower-decked terraces scattered throughout the city’s promenade.
How to reach Zagreb
Zagreb Airport is 17 kilometers from the city.
Zagreb is located at the center of an intricate transport network. There are large modern highways going from the city center, connecting Croatia to both the Eastern and the Western part of Europe. Railways also connect Zagreb to the major cities of Croatia and of the neighboring countries. In the center of the city, there are many bus and train stations. The best way to enjoy the beautiful Capital City of Croatia is to book a transfer that can take you straight from the Airport to any destination inside the city and its surroundings.
Transport
Public transport in Zagreb offers trams, buses and a funicular line in Tomichevoy street in the historic center of the city, connecting the Upper and Lower Town. A plan for the construction of the first line of subway is scheduled to open in 2012. However, in the busy hours, the traffic is very jammed and the only comfortable way of navigating around the city is by booking a Zagreb airport transfer.
Another alternative, for those of you who wish to enjoy the freedom of driving their own car, is to rent one from Croatia car hire.
The climate of Zagreb
The climate is continental, with average summer temperatures around +20 ° C and average winter temperatures decreasing to +1 ° C. As a rule, it is very hot in Zagreb in May, especially towards the end of the month, when the temperature exceeds +30 ° C. It usually snows in winter and autumns are very rainy.
Entertainment, sightseeing and attractions in Zagreb Croatia
There is much to do and see in the Croatian capital, with its numerous parks, museums, galleries, cathedrals and monasteries. Merely walking down the old streets of the town offers a history lesson in itself. The symbol of the city is the Cathedral of St. Stephen, next to which there is a memorial pillar with a gilded figure of the Virgin Mary. From the 13th century, high members of the church and of the Croatian nobility have been buried here. Next to the cathedral, there is a baroque Palace of the Archbishop, rebuilt over the ages 13 to 19. The local Franciscan monastery with the church of St. Francis has been around since the days of Francis of Assisi himself.
In the Center of Hradec, there is the Gothic church of St. Mark, located near the Croatian National Assembly building and the Presidential Palace Banský yard. If you are a lover of culture, in this part of the city you can visit the Croatian History Museum, the Gallery of primitive art, Natural History Museum and the City Museum.
The Lower City is built in accordance with the urban development plans of 1865 and 1889 ‘s. Its quarters, squares, parks and mansions were built especially in the eclectic style, neo-classical and Art Nouveau style. The Archaeological Museum, the Strossmayer Gallery, the Academy of Arts and Sciences can all be found here. In the area, there is also an equestrian monument to the first Croatian king, King Tomislav. The Croatian National Theatre is a neo-Baroque building. The area in front of the theater displays “Fountain of Life” by Ivan Mestrovic. Near the National Theater, you can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which houses paintings by many famous artists.
The largest garden and park ensemble of Croatia stretches In the eastern part of Zagreb. “Maksimir” is a park built in the English style, built between the 18th and 19th century. In 1925, the zoo was opened here. Another sample of landscape architecture in the English style is the cemetery “Mirogoj” (1876), which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The cemetery is unique because of its arcades built along the west wall, and is the place where many famous residents of Zagreb found their peace.
Recently, the capital of Croatia, has enriched its tourist offer with another project “Zagreb inside”, which includes two new tours of the city called “the feminine side of Zagreb” and ” Do you Speak Croatian?”
The Museum of Zagreb
One of the most notable museums in Zagreb is the Ethnographic Museum. Its collection of over 3,700 works covers the entire Croatian history, from antiquity to the present day. The art gallery presents significant interest, displaying works of old masters and a large collection of European painting from the centuries 14 to 19. Palace Klovicha (Klovićevi dvori) is a gallery in the east of the Upper City. It contains a collection of many Croatian artists such as Oscar Herman or Vinca Perchicha. The other museums and galleries are the Museum of Modern Art, the Archaeological Museum, the Technical Museum, the Historical Museum, Natural Science Museum, Museum of the City of Zagreb.
