Croatian Travel: Zagreb
Zagreb: Where East Meets West
Zagreb is often overlooked by tourists from the west who are drawn to the beauty of the coastal towns, such as Dubrovnik and Split. However, Croatia’s capital is well worth the time due to its fascinating embrace of both eastern and western cultures. With old world charm and new world style, Zagreb is the perfect first stop for anyone interested in both the beauty and history Croatia has to offer.
Zagreb is located in the north central part of the country and offers those who enjoy the outdoors plenty of venues to spend a leisurely day. Maksimir Park, located east of the city center, is a wonderful place to enjoy a casual stroll or bike ride through the English garden-style parks and lakes. There is also a small zoo that the kids will enjoy.
If you are interested in hiking or skiing, then Mt. Medvednica is only a short tram ride away. A cliff climbing railway will carry you to the top of the mountain where you can get off and spend the afternoon wandering your way back to the bottom through the heavily wooden paths. You will also want to visit Medvedgrad, a medieval fortress dating back to the 1200s which was used to protect the city from the Tartar invasions. It was fully restored in the 1990s and boasts beautiful views of Zagreb and the surrounding landscape.
If you’re interested in seeing some wonderful expressions of Austro-Hungarian architecture, then you will want to take a stroll through the Upper Town areas of Zagreb where you will find the oldest buildings and churches in the city. While you are there you will definitely want to make your way to the Stone Gate which has become a religious shrine that many people believe possesses magical powers. The wooden gate burned down in 1731, but a painting of the Virgin Mary mysteriously survived to fire.
Lower Town is the place to go if you want to see the many museums Zagreb has to offer. The Museum Mimara has an impressive collection of classical paintings and European art pieces. The Archaeological Museum houses prehistoric artifacts, Egyptian mummies, as well as an impressive coin and medallion collection of 260,000 pieces.
