The City of Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital and also the largest city in Croatia, with more than 800,000 inhabitants.  The city lies in northwest Croatia, at the feet of the Medvednica mountain range. As Croatia’s political and economic centre, it enjoys a very good motorway system, which serves as a link with the Slovenian border. To the southwest of the capital you will find the artificial lake Jarun, a popular recreation area for the inhabitants.

The capital lies 170 km away from the Adria (Adriatic coast) and it is the link between Central and Southern Europe. It is built on both shores of the Sava river, the largest river in Slovenia and Croatia. Zagreb is an old city in Central Europe, which has become a rich cultural, scientific and trade centre throughout the centuries. It is located directly on important traffic routes which join Central Europe with the Adriatic coast and the countries in Eastern Europe.

Zagreb was mentioned for the first time in 1094, as the diocese Zagreb was founded in Kaptol. The settlements Gradec (nowadays Gornji Grad) and Kaptol, situated on two neighbouring hills, are the origins of the city and have become the present city centre. Parts of the towers and city walls still remain.

In 1242, the king at that time, Béla IV, awarded Gradec the Bulla Aurea, the symbol for freedom and independence. Gradec thus became a free royal town and later a political centre, whereas Kaptol carried on to be the centre of the Catholic Church of Croatia.

In 1669, the University of Zagreb was founded. It is one of the oldest European universities.

In 1850, Gradec, Kaptol, the Lower Town and other settlements were united and became Zagreb. The city spread very quickly to the shores of the Sava river and expanded its links with the European art, culture and science. The modern trade centre of Zagreb is located to the south of the river Sava.

Since the Croatians conquered their independence, in 1991, and Croatia was recognised as an independent state, Zagreb has been the capital of the country. It also became a centre for university education, administration, economy, and culture, apart from being the political centre of the Republic. In addition, it is well-known as a city were congresses and fairs are usually held. Despite the quick economic growth, the city has been able to maintain its unique beauty and its relaxed, breezy atmosphere.