Zagreb
The city grew from a Hungarian cathedral site which is thought to have been established in 1094. The following 900 years saw a great conflict pass through the region, the series of different fortifications standing as a tribute to this. After rapid and extensive industrialisation through the nineteenth and early twentieth century Zagreb fell into communist rule and nationalisation took place. The area stood firm however and is seen as the centre for the resistance against the expansion of former Yugoslavia. This spirit is as alive today as ever within Zagreb, now the capital of independent Croatia. Zagreb is a popular tourist destination and common stopover for train routes across Eastern Europe and guests with only a few hours to spare between trains will be left with a positive impression of the city as a bustling, pizza-loving metropolis. A deeper look unearths an almost inexhaustible amount of art, history and culture amongst some of the most impressive buildings in Croatia. The Old Town is made up of the hilly regions of Kaptol and Gradec which developed around a Cathedral and Church respectively. The city edge is marked by the base of Mount Medvednica and the river Sava, these natural landmarks complemented by the extensive park areas which sprawl through the city centre.
Attractions
Museum of Contemporary Art - This collection of “contemporary art” which covers the period from the 1940s to today is one of the best of its kind. The work covers poster art, film, photography, sculpture and larger installations. The themes are explained in the context of the countries history and relevant political events giving the museum a further dimension.
Cathedral of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The power that the twin gothic towers posses conjures a true sense of the numinous, and justifies the building’s longwinded name. The original structure, constructed in the twelfth century has been the subject of military attack, earthquakes, elaboration during the renaissance and countless restoration projects. Artefacts of the different stages and styles of the building’s history are retained inside.
Mirogoj Cemetery – The homage paid to the city’s dead is no small affair. Afoot Medvenica mountain stand the towering walls, designed by Herman Bolle, which encompass the elaborate tombs, gardens and sculptures which earned the cemetery its reputation as the most beautiful in Europe.
The rural areas of Croatia offer great opportunities to sample the region’s developing wine trade, traditional food and pursuits such as pony trekking and fishing. The simplest way is to visit one of the many resorts.
Shopping
The shopping centres vary from covered markets and underground stations that have been modernised to accommodate stalls and shops to contemporary upmarket shopping centres with all the latest fashion outlets, food court, bars and even cinemas. Other centres areas specialise in Croatian shops that sell mostly Croatian clothes and everyday household goods, they can also be a good spot to pick up some coloured spirits or sausages as souvenirs. Designers such as Sinha-Stanic have put Croatia on the map worldwide and are exemplary of the standard of fashion that is on offer here. The Flower Market is a wonderful mix of colours and fragrances and is an essential stop off if you are to keep up with the local tradition of giving flowers when meeting friends.
Dining and Nightlife
Croatian cuisine tends to be fairly basic, but the gastronomy is as mixed as the cultural heritage. With strong similarities to Italian food, reflected in the sheer number of pizzerias in Zagreb, paprika and other spices are common and many traditional dishes are based around buckwheat, mushrooms and fish. The food is excellent overall and international food stretches far beyond pizza, with Chinese becoming increasingly popular. Cafes tend to have a theme in Zagreb, which can vary from arty bohemia to a specific world cup goal. The Dalmation coast is famed for its seafood and Zagreb has many excellent fish restaurants in which to sample it. A few of the more popular and expensive options are the restaurant at Hotel As, Hippodrome and Gaspar, the less upmarket places are often equally as rewarding though.
Most people tend to make for one of the squares and quaff a few beverages outside one of the many bars. The atmosphere is relaxed on the whole, but things do kick off at the city’s many clubs. International DJs make regular appearances at Boogaloo Club and Tockica, with most clubs playing house, techno and some 80s classics. The smaller more trendy venues also offer jazz and regular alternative film nights.
Tourist Information
Zagreb Tourist Information CentreAddress; Kaptol 5, Zagreb.Tel: 00 385 1 4898 555Email: info@zagreb-convention.hr Web: www.zagreb-convention.hr
