History
The history of Zagreb is linked to two hills; that of Kaptol and Gradec. Kaptol, founded in 1094, was the headquarters of the diocese and clergy. Gradec, which is first documented in 1242, was the commercial center of the city, with much manufacturing, craft shops and trading. Gradec was guarded by walls containing 4 gates, and interlaced with several towers. Out of these, only one gate and tower still stand today, namely "Kamenita Vrata"and "Kula Lotrščak", which stands just above Jaegerhorn and fires a canon every day at noon.
War and rivalry between the two cities was rife until the 19th century, when they, together with neighbouring villages, joined into the city of Zagreb.
It should also be noted that Zagreb only became the capital city of Croatia in 1776, inheriting the role from Varazdin after a great fire that forced the Royal Council, institutions and nobles to relocate. Today, Zagreb stands as the capital and largest city of Croatia covering an area of 641.355 km2, and represents the economical, political and cultural center of the country. The city is broken down into 17 urban districts, which are inhabited by more than 800.000 people. The public transport consists of a network of trams, buses, urban/suburban trains and taxis.
Sights
Gradec, also referred to as the "Upper town", is the historical core of the city, and located on a small hill overlooking the main square. Access to the "Upper town", which is littered with small museums and galleries, is provided by a network of small medieval street, together with a cable car connecting it to the city's main street, Ilica. You can also reach Marko's square, the current political headquarters of Croatia, by passing through "Kamenita Vrata", mentioned above, which contains the shrine to the Virgin Mary, the protector of Zagreb. Other notable attractions in the area include the Lotrščak tower, mentioned above, museums such as "Kloićevi dvori", numerous baroque buildings and palaces, as well as the baroque church of St. Katarina.
Kaptol has continued its historical tradition, and today also represents the headquarters of the Croatian church. The dominating feature continues to be the city's cathedral, built in 1217.
Making your way from Kaptol down to the city center, you may either pass Dolac, Zagreb’s largest open-air market, or the picturesque Tklačićeva street, which is littered by small cafes and restaurants. This street was once a stream dividing the Gradec and Kaptol communities, named Medveščak. The city center has many sights of interest such as the Ban Jelačić square, the green or Lenuzzi horseshoe (an urban design devised by Milan Lenuzzi in the 19th century made up of 8 parks and squares), the Croatian National Theater, botanical gardens, and numerous museums and historical buildings.
Further from the center, you find the Maksimir park, the biggest in South-East Europe, containing numerous lakes, fields, rivers and striking nature, as well as Zagreb’s Zoo, founded in 1925 containing species of animal from all over the world. The Medvednica range, with its highest peak, Sljeme, offers nature lovers and those seeking active retreats beautiful nature overlooking Zagreb, and is host to both male and female ski events in January. Finally, the Jarun artificial lakes on the south-west of the city offer many recreational activities as well a vibrant nightlife along the lakes shores.