Zagreb

The city is protected from the cold northern winds by the mountain of Medvednica and opens up to the rest of the world thanks to a spacious plain and the Sava river. Zagreb, with a population of nearly one million, contains almost a quarter of the entire population of Croatia.

Zagreb as we know it today, which is to say its historical centre, dates back to the Middle Ages, and the settlements on two hills: secular Gradec, today known as the Upper Town; and ecclesiastical Kaptol. In the mid-13th century the Tatars ravaged Hungary and their king Béla IV fled to Zagreb where its citizens provided him with refuge. In gratitude, in 1242 Béla gave Gradec a charter proclaiming it a free royal city. His generosity is symbolically reenacted every day by the blasting of the cannon at noon from the Lotrščak tower overlooking central Zagreb.

You can find spaces for recreation almost anywhere around Zagreb. Also within easy reach, we find Medvednica, a popular destination for outings. Right in the city centre, parks, streets and squares intersect with green spaces and gardens.

Zagreb enjoys a rich cultural life. Around 30 theatres are active in the city, some with regular programmes, some occasional. Along with some 30 museums, a large number of galleries and many theatre, music and dance festivals all combine to make Zagreb a city of art.
 
The main square of Ban Josip Jelačić is the heart of the city and a meeting point for all Zagreb citizens. Zagreb can be described as a city with the biggest lounge. The moment the sun appears in the sky in spring, restaurants, cafés and coffeehouse terraces open for custom. Streets become promenades, places to get a cup of coffee, relax or have a business meeting. 

GASTRONOMY
The gastronomic selection in Zagreb comprises a rich combination of many cuisines.
Štrukli is one of the authentic dishes anyone in Zagreb would recommend. There are several different ways of preparation so it can be cooked or baked, sweet or salty. Turkey with mlinci pasta strips is one of the traditional meals of inland Croatia. There is also Zagreb steak, a piece of fried veal filled with cheese and ham, somewhat similar to its renowned Vienna counterpart. We recommend you visit one of the numerous restaurants that offer regional cuisine.


A combination of Mediterranean cordiality and northern business sense makes any visitor feel welcome.

The city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, on the historic and political threshold between East and West, illustrates both the continental and Mediterranean spirit of the nation it spearheads. Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative centre of the Republic of Croatia, and is home to the Croatian Parliament, Government and President. Its favourable location between the Pannonian plain, the edge of the Alps and the Dinaric range have allowed it to become a crossing point for mass international communication.