ZAGREB, the capital of Croatia

Welcome to Zagreb

Welcome to Zagreb, the capital city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb 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 lies on the intersection of important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.
When the Croatian people achieved their independence in 1991, Zagreb became a capital - a political and administrative centre for the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is also the hub of the business, academic, cultural, artistic and sporting worlds in Croatia. Many famed scientists, artists and athletes come from the city, or work in it. Zagreb can offer its visitors the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, diverse shopping facili­ties, an abundant selection of crafts and a choice vernacular cuisine. Zagreb is a city of green parks and walks, with many places to visit in the beautiful surroundings. The city will enter into the third millennium with a population of one million. In spite of the rapid development of the economy and transportation, it has retained its charm, and a relaxed feeling that makes it a genuinely human city.

Facts and Figures

Location:northern Croatia, on the Sava River, 170 km from the Adriatic Sea 45° 10' N, 15° 30' E situated 122 m above sea level Time: Central-european time (GMT+1) Climate and Weather:continental climate average summer temperature: 20° C average winter temperature: 1° C current forecast Population:779,145 (2001) Surface area:650 sq. km. Institutions:The University 10 theatres 21 museums 14 galleries 12 art collections

A Brief History of Zagreb

The Stone GateToday's 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.
During the Turkish onslaughts on Europe, between the 14th and 18th centuries, Zagreb was an important border fortress. The Baroque reconstruction of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries changed the appearance of the city. The old wooden houses were demolished, opulent palaces, monasteries and churches were built. The many trade fairs, the revenues from landed estates and the offerings of the many craft workshops greatly contributed to the wealth of the city. Affluent aristocratic families, royal officials, church dignitaries and rich traders from the whole of Europe moved into the city. Schools and hospitals were opened, and the manners of European capitals were adopted. The city outgrew its medieval borders and spread to the lowlands. The first parks and country houses were built. Zagreb confirmed its position as the administrative, cultural and economic centre of Croatia.

Ancient City MapWhen Kaptol, Gradec and the surrounding settlements were administratively combined into the integrated city of Zagreb in 1850, the development accelerated still more. The disastrous earthquake of 1880 sparked off the reconstruction and modernization of many shabby neighbourhoods and buildings. Prestigious public buildings were erected, parks and fountains were made, and transportation and other infrastructures were organized.
In the 19th century the population increased tenfold. The twentieth century brought the Secession style to Zagreb. The city lived in the plenty of a civil society, with firm links with all the central European centres. With an increase in wealth and industry from the 1960s on, the city spread out over the wide plains alongside the Sava River, where a new, contemporary business city has develop, ready for the challenges of the third millennium.

Overview of Important Historical Events
ca 600 AD
Decline of the ancient Roman settlement of Scitarjevo (Andautonia). Arrival of the Croats. The earliest evidence of their existence in this area are the graves on Visoki Brijeg in Velika Gorica.
879.
Decline of the ancient Roman settlement of Scitarjevo (Andautonia). Arrival of the Croats. The earliest evidence of their existence in this area are the graves on Visoki Brijeg in Velika Gorica.
1094.
The Hungarian King Ladislas establishes the Zagreb Diocese.
1134.
Issue of Felicianus' Charter mentioning the founder of the Diocese, King Ladislas, the first bishop of, Zagreb Bishop Duh, and the other clergy.
1217.
Finishing and consecration of the principal church cathedral, largely destroyed in 1242 by the Tatars.
1242.
The Croatian-Hungarian King Bela IV grants the Golden Bull to Gradec, as a token of appreciation for the citizens who provided him shelter during the Tatarian invasion.
1355.
Mention of the first pharmacy in Zagreb.
1557.
Another threat to the city - Turkish invasions. The first mention of Zagreb as the capital of Croatia.
1607.
Foundation of the Jesuit gymnasium with six forums.
1624.
A great fire caused by a thunderbolt catches the wooden roof of the principal church. Great fires were quite frequent before the use of bricks as building material.
1664.
Foundation of the first printing house by the Jesuits.
1669.
The Croatian-Hungarian King Leopold I grants the right to the Royal Academy to be transformed into a university.
1767.
The Royal Council designates Varaždin as its temporary seat.
1771.
The first weekly in Latin published in Zagreb - Ephemerides Zagrebienses.
1776.
The government seat relocated from Varazdin to Zagreb.
1834.
The first permanent theatre in Zagreb opens on the southern side of St. Mark's Square.
1850.
Zagreb becomes a single administrative unit. The first major of the city is Josip Kamauf, former magistrate of Gradec.
1862.
Opening of the first railway line, Zidani Most-Zagreb-Sisak.
1880.
A severe earthquake strikes the area of Zagreb.
1891.
The first horse-drawn tram in the streets of Zagreb. First electric driven tram was in service in 1905.
1896.
The first film projection in Zagreb.
1901.
The first automobile on the streets of Zagreb.
1909.
The first trade exhibition - Economic Convention ("Gospodarski zbor").
1926.
The first radio station starts broadcasting (also the first in this part of Europe).
1956.
The first broadcast of Zagreb television.
1957.
Construction of new housing blocks starts on the southern bank of the Sava river.
1964.
A raging flood strikes Zagreb in the night between October 24 and 25. In the most difficult flood ever, several thousand homes are badly damaged.
1979.
Tram lines cross the Sava river.
1987.
The University Games take place in Zagreb.
1990.
The first session of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) after the first free, democratic, multi-party elections take place on May 30.

to be continued...

Intro

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia (Republika Hrvatska), is a country in Europe at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Central Europe. Its capital is Zagreb. Croatia shares land borders with Slovenia and Hungary on the north, Serbia on the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina on the south and east, and Montenegro on the south, as well as a sea border with Italy to the west. It is a candidate for membership in the European Union and NATO.

Croatia is famous for its many national parks Croatia has a mixture of climates. In the north and east it is continental, Mediterranean along the coast and a semi-highland and highland climate in the south-central region. Offshore Croatia consists of over one thousand islands varying in size.
National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Croatia as Destination of the Year in 2006.

Croatian culture is based on a thirteen century-long history during which the country has attained many monuments and cities, which gave birth to a number of historical figures. The country includes six World Heritage sites and eight national parks. Among a list of notable people that came from Croatia are three Nobel prize winners, and numerous inventors. Some of the world's first fountain pens came from Croatia.
Croatia also has a place in the history of clothing as the origin of the necktie (cravat, you wear it each day on work but most of you dodn't know this). The country has a long artistic, literary and musical tradition. Of particular interest is the diverse nature of cuisine.

(Zadar, St. Donatus' Church, a pre-Romanesque church from the ninth century)
















This was just a short introduction troguh photos, the best is comming in new posts. I hope you like it.