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When in Zagreb
Croatia's capital is a real treat for the tourist. Zagreb is a beautiful town in places, with its mediaeval alleyways and buildings, yet it is rarely mentioned as a holiday destination and the visitors you do find here will usually be from nearby countries such as Italy and Austria.
The city emerged from two small hill settlements that are believed to have been established in the 11th century. Based on the Kaptol and Gradec hills, respectively, the two engaged in regular battles, although nothing that could constitute an all out war. They were forced to put their differences aside in the 16th century, when the Turks invaded the region. The invaders were unable to capture the two towns and they merged in to one force that is now known as Zagreb. Zagreb and Croatia were amalgamated in to Yugoslavia following World War I and the Germans entered the city without resistance in 1941. 1990 saw the country claim independence and the following year Zagreb was proclaimed the country's capital. It managed to evade much of the region's violence apart from a shell attack by Krajina Serbs in 1995 that left seven people dead. The legacy of the war can still be seen today through the number of refugees from the countryside who took cover in the city during the troubles.
A stroll around the mediaeval old town is a must and a good afternoon can be spent nosing around the alleyways and enjoying a coffee or two along the way.
The Archaeological museum on Trg Nikole Subica Zrinskog is a fine place to visit for those wishing to learn more about the history of the country. It also houses a renowned collection of ancient Egyptian exhibits, including the Zagreb Mummy and many Roman artifacts.
The Muzej Mimara on Rooseveltov trg is home to a fine collection of global works of art dating back hundreds, and on occasion, thousands of years. Works by artists such as Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Holbein and Turner adorn the walls as well as many by less renowned painters.
Most museums in the city are closed from Sunday lunchtime until Tuesday morning.
Pleso Airport, ten miles south-east of the city centre, welcomes a number of international and domestic flights and can be reached via the Croatia Airlines bus that departs the bus station between 04:00 and 08:30 each day. Taxis are not cheap but are the most sensible option outside of these times.
The bus station can be found on Avenija M Drzica and has plenty of local and international options. Booking in advance is recommended if you're looking to cross borders.
International and domestic options also abound from the train station which can be found close to the city centre.
The city centre is small so using public transport is not normally necessary. Those that do require transportation will fund the tram system a little crowded but superbly efficient. Tickets can be bought from a kiosk or on the bus while a day ticket (dnevna karta) is a good option for those planning a lot of scooting around.
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Introduction
