Croatia Jan.2014 | Page 6

Zagreb
1rst part

Merging Kaptol and Gradec and its surroundings in
the single city of Zagreb in 1850 accelerated the
development of the city. A devastating earthquake
in 1880 creates the renovation and modernization
of many neighborhoods and dilapidated buildings.
Public buildings were erected parks and fountains
are appointed and introduced public transport and
municipal services.
In the 19th century the number of inhabitants has
increased tenfold. The 20th century brought to
Zagreb the spirit of secession. Zagreb is now a highly
urbanized center, in close relationship with
European artistic, cultural and scientific centers of
the time. With increasing wealth and industry, the
city is expanding rapidly and pushes a
contemporary and professional city, ready to meet
the challenges of the third millennium.

A historical perspective, the city of Zagreb was born
from two medieval villages that have grown for
centuries on two opposite hills. The first time that
we had written Zagreb is in1094 the year in which
mention a bishopric was inaugurated in Kaptol,
while the neighboring community of Gradec was
declared a free royal town in 1242. These two
communities were surrounded by strong walls and
towers, whose remains have been preserved until
today.
During the Turkish invasions in Europe between the
Découvrir Zagreb in few points…
14th and 18th centuries, Zagreb is an important
border wall. Baroque renovation of the city in the
17th and 18th centuries changes the appearance of
Among the many place account Zagreb, the best
Gradec and Kaptol. The old wooden houses were
known is certainly the place of Ban Josip Jelacic
destroyed while luxurious palaces, churches and
(photo above). Formerly marketplace for merchants
convents are emerging. The city is enriched by
of the Croatian regions.
numerous trade fairs and numerous artisan
She lost this appelation market place but remains
workshops. Rich noble families, servants of the king,
the meeting place of passage and gathering. Situated
senior religious leaders and wealthy merchants
below the hills of Gradec and Kaptol, instead Josip
from all over Europe settled in Zagreb. Many schools
Ban Jelacic is now the largest square and the main
and hospitals are born and people accept cultural
square of Zagreb. Heart of the capital, this is the
customs of European capitals. The city than its
place that once left the cars, now
it's
medieval borders extend to the plain. The first
travelers go around Zagreb trams. Day and night, it
public gardens and the first large rural properties
is a place that lives, or all Zagreb is found, occurs
are introduced . Zagreb confirmed its status as
either at the foot of the statue of Ban Josip Jelacic,
administrative, economic and cultural center of
around the Mandusevac (natural spring) fountain
Croatia.
or the clock.