When I had moved to Germany, I had heard about Croatia..all I knew was that it was previously a part of Yugoslavia..Back home in India, Croatia is not really heard of..so i goggled a bit about the country and saw some images and I so wanted to visit it beautiful country..Recently my husband had a conference in the Croatian capital city, Zagreb in July and I got a chance to accompany him and I really had a great time.
We landed in Zagreb at 1.30 pm on 30th June 2013 and it was a historic occasion for the Croatians, as on 1st July 2013 Croatia was going to become a part of the European Union.. After buying the currency (got a good rate of 7.03 on euros, way better than what was given to us by the Reisenbank in Frankfurt, merely 6.03) and
Zagreb Card - Five Stars from a shop at the airport we headed out toward the bus stop..The city was all set to celebrate its entry in the EU and as a result the traffic was diverted, making way for the dignitaries from other countries..From the airport a special bus took the passengers to a near by area (as the area around the airport was cordoned off) and from where we boarded the bus for
Autobusni Kolodvor (main bus station)..The bus charged 30 kunas and we reached the main bus station in about 35 minutes..Right outside the station, we got our tram to the hotel, but had to disembark because of the traffic diversions..After few minutes of looking around and asking the traffic officials, we managed to reach the taxi station outside
Glavni Kolodvor (main train station) and reach our hotel,
Villa Antunovac at 3.45 pm..Despite all the confusion and delays what I found was that the people in Zagreb are helpful and the transport system, as I realised in next few days is extremely convenient and smooth. Our studio apartment was extremely nice, well equipped with air conditioner (much needed in the warm July afternoons) clean and close to the main centre on the tram line (Mandalicina). We spent the evening roaming around the area and getting to know the neigbourhood. Supermarkets, bakery and pizzeria were also in the vicinity..
 |
| Villa Antunovac |
Next morning after my husband left for his conference, I was on my own trying to figure out the tram connections and places to visit and soon i decided to walk till the main square instead of taking the tram, to get a better feel of the place..and I was glad I walked my way till
Trg Bana J.Jelacica (main square).
Ilica I could not miss observing the vibrance and energy of this city, which was effortlessly reflected in the confident and fashionable demeanor of its people..With fashionable stores on both sides of the lanes, trams zipping through and people rushing around at first gave an impression that the city was extremely fast paced with no time to relax..However this changed as I reached the Trg Bana..it seemed the most happening place in the city with plethora of eateries and Zagrebians and tourists alike sipping their coffee at a leisurly talk .
According to legend, a city ruler was thirsty and ordered a girl named Manda to take water from Lake Manduševac (nowadays a fountain in Ban Jelačić Square)
 |
| Fountain in Ban Jelacic Square |
, using the sentence: "Zagrabi, Mando!" which means, Scoop it up, Manda! and thats how the city got its name.
 |
| Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića |
.It was roughly 2.5kms from my hotel and walking through the
Zagreb also charmed me with its beautiful parks, museums, sculptures..I personally am not a museum person but Zagreb has a lot to offer for everyone´s taste..I started my trip in Zagreb's central square,
Trg Jelacica, and walked uphill to the upper town
(Gornji Grad) Kaptol, stopping at
Dolac,
the fruit and vegetable market. Walking a little further, I reached Zagreb's
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose twin spires are visible from afar. Begun in the 13th century, it was reconstructed in the 20th after an earthquake damaged it. Spending some quiet time at the cathedral, I then headed east to Gradec. Zagreb's Upper town is a network of streets that stretches between two hills - Kaptol and Gradec. I strolled for sometime at
Tkalciceva, Zagreb's most colourful street, filled with little cafes and coffee aroma.
 |
| Tkalciceva |
Nearby is the
Stone Gate containing a shrine of the Virgin Mary that is believed to possess magical powers. It is believed that all the wishes are granted there.
 |
| Dolac |
 |
| Cathedral of the Assumption |
Most museums are in the Lower Town but this neighborhood has a quirky one, the
Museum of Broken
 |
| Museum of Broken Relationships |
Relationships, an innovative concept that displays mementos of failed relationships and the stories that surround them. Its a small museum but really interesting one.
Art lovers won't want to miss the Musueum of Naive Art nearby. Croatia has a long tradition of Naive Art and all the greats are represented here.
What one can not ignore on the upper town is the St.Marks Church, at St Mark Square, which sports a multi-coloured tile roof constructed in 1880. The rest of the church dates from the 13th century.On the roof, tiles are laid so that they represent the coat of arms of Zagreb (white castle on red background) and
Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. Historic St Mark Square is also the site of the Croatian
Sabor or Parliament and the
Ban's Palace, now the presidential palace. Finally I spent some time at
Strossmartre, a beautiful lane home to painters and musicians. and took the furnicular to the lower town.
Lotrščak Tower, situated in the upper town.
The cannon gives the sign for exact noon for the bell-ringers of the city's churches.
 |
| Strossmartre |
Also from the lower town, at noon everyday one can see a cannon being fired from the
The next day I went to Maksimir Park and Zoo..I took tram No.11 in the direction of Dubec and got off at Bukovacka, the park is right across the street. The Maksimir Park is the largest green space in the city of Zagreb. It is named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, the man who was first responsible for establishing the park in 1794. At the time the park was set up it was on the outskirts of the city, today it is part of suburban Zagreb. Maksimir is a sprawling park and very popular with joggers, runners and even cyclists as the park provides a safe and picturesque track. I spent some time relaxing in the park away from the hustle bustle of the city.
Within the park is also another attraction for young families, The Zoo..There are a number of large (lions, bears, panda, jaguar) and small animals, including endangered species. Of particular interest are the feeding sessions; the sea lion feeding time usually draws quite a crowd. Entry fee for the park is 30 Kuna and can be purchased at the zoo entrance. With a Zagreb Card you get a 50% discount. There are some restaurants and ice cream stalls in the premises, making it a great place to relax with the family on a summer day.
In Zagreb it is possible to be in the centre of the city and enjoy nature at the same time. Whichever way you go, Zagreb will delight you with its beautiful parks. I particularly loved the
King Tomislav Square, with its beautiful fountains and gardens. I also visited the
Jarun lake and enjoyed my stroll watching the people kayaking and enjoying sports. The lake is in the southwest part of the city between the Sava river and Vrapcak stream and can be reached easily by a tram. The lake is reserved for swimming, kayaking and other forms of leisure and recreational activities.
 |
| King Tomislav Square |
I found the people of the city to be very warm hearted, who are more than willing to show their guests both their city and their great hearts, which is also a symbol of Zagreb. I also witnessed this, when i tried to buy a postal stamp for my postcard and unable to do so, a lady offered to post me the postcard:) I was a bit reluctant but she very warmly insisted, Thank you Mrs. Pavicic.
Different people would have different impressions of Zagreb. I would remember the city for its open air cafes, cheerful red parasols at Dolac, numerous parks and museums, all in the heart of the city.
