Zagreb is the Croatia capital and largest city. It is situated in the heart of Europe on the intersection of important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe. It is an old Central European city, for centuries it has been a focal point of culture and science, and now of commerce and industry as well. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain.

History of Zagreb

Zagreb has grown out of two medieval settlements that for centuries developed on neighbouring hills. The first written mention of the city dates from 1094, when a diocese was founded on Kaptol, while in 1242, neighbouring Gradec was proclaimed a free and royal city. Both the settlements were surrounded by high walls and towers, remains of which are still preserved.

Today, the city is divided into three parts: the thousand-year old upper town (Gornji grad) which contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th century lower town (Donji grad) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks; and the modern part of Zagreb which is full of high-rise buildings.

 

Map of Zagreb

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