Zagreb is the largest city and the capital of Croatia. By its historical tradition, cultural relations, and above all, its urban planning (the Lower town “horseshoe”, the area around the theatre) Zagreb is a distinctly central European city. Situated in the middle of the triangle of Vienna, Budapest and Venice, it always has been and remains a part of the cultural circle of central Europe. It is only a three-hour drive from the Adriatic Sea.
Cultural and religious significance: In the 19th century, Zagreb was the most developed economic and urban center of this part of Europe, becoming the cultural and scientific capital of Croatia. Zagreb is the religious metropolitan center of the archdiocese with many religious institutions: Cathedral Chapter, Theological college, church institutes, the Treasury of the Cathedral, and others. The most famous area of natural heritage is Medvednica (nature park), the Samobor and Žumberačka mountains with their natural phenomena (caves, waterfalls, spurs); the wine growing hills of Plešivica; and the Stubičke thermal spa.
The impressions of the growing number of foreigners who visit Zagreb city may be summarized in one sentence: a city of a million inhabitants that has managed to stay romantic, clean, and which offers visitors pleasant walks and enjoyment in a city full of parks and pedestrian zones. In short, it is a city that has managed to preserve its soul and identity, its cultural and historical heritage.
Its architecture, streets, the squares of the Upper and Lower town, open air green markets, churches and monuments are the witnesses of a history that successfully resisted the fast tempo of life at the end of the last century.
The written history of Zagreb dates back to 1094, with the establishment of the diocese. Zagreb University was founded in the 17th century, and it is one of the oldest in Europe. Nine hundred year old Zagreb, capital of Croatia,lives a rich cultural life, with more than 20 theatres, 3 concert halls, around 60 museums and art galleries, and a large number of newly renovated and newly constructed cinemas.
The wide pedestrian zones with many open-air cafes with garden and street terraces spread throughout the city also add charm to Zagreb’s hospitality. | |||||||||
| Zagreb - capital of Croatia is a city of international fairs, symposiums and business meetings (Zagreb Fair and congresses). In Zagreb you can stay at world famous hotels or in small, intimate family run hotels. In addition to that, you can enjoy the numerous national specialties of Croatian cuisine with many high quality domestic wines. Regardless of its size and openness, Zagreb has remained a calm and safe city where you can walk safely even in the late evening hours. | |||||||||
The majority of towns have their green oases, but Zagreb is specific in this case as well. It is the city of many parks that spread from the very center to nearby Sljeme Mountain, including the forest park Maksimir, in which the Zoo is situated, and the Botanical Garden.
The abundance of cultural life is reflected in the numerous theatre performances, operas and operettas, modern, classical, and jazz concerts, and many festivals. Apart from the excellent programme of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Zagreb Symphony Orchestra and Zagreb Soloists, guest performances of the famous world groups, orchestra conductors, and soloists are also frequent (Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and others).
Zagreb enjoys a good reputation as a center where international fairs, symposiums, and business meetings are held. The possibility of accommodation ranges from famous international hotels to private accommodation. Many restaurants offering local delicacies also enjoy a good reputation. For those who enjoy nightlife, despite its size and openness, Zagreb has remained a safe city where midnight walks do not present a problem.
Zagreb, capital of Croatia hosts the Modern Avant-garde Music Biennial, the International Festival of Animated Film, the International Exhibition of Graphic Design ZGRAF, the theatre festival EUROKAZ, the International Festival of Puppet Theatres, and many other cultural events.
The detailed schedule of events in Zagreb is printed by the Zagreb Tourist Board on special Shell folders and the programme can also be viewed on the internet pages of the Zagreb Tourist Board in the “events” section: www.zagreb.convention.hr and www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
The surrounding areas of Zagreb are particularly attractive, with their rich vineyards and wine roads, Medieval and Baroque castles (the greatest concentration of castles after the Loire valley) and many medicinal spas. A special tourist attraction is the original ethnic village in Kumrovec. During the winter months, another special attraction is skiing at Sljeme where the diverse land configuration was used to shape downhill runs of varying difficulty.
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