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Zagreb is a capital of Croatia, an independent state of ex Yugoslavia, since 1991. Since that time, many things are different more-less because of the political system that aims joining Croatia to European Community, rather then staying in the community of a little Balkan ex Yugoslavian countries. Some ex Zagreb or ex Yugoslavian population are rather sarcastic while talking about Zagreb today, referring to Zagreb population as a “poor little Vienna’s provincials”. However, many ex Yugoslavs know perfectly well that Zagreb population has its own flair ever since early days of ex Yugoslavia, no matter of the recent Balkan civil war. As someone who considers herself as ex Yugoslavian, I do remember this Zagreb flair in 80s. For example, in 70s and 80s Zagreb Town publisher have been publishing the best comic book ever, (called Alan Ford) that was, 30 years ago with its ironic content and with rather characteristic black humor, illustrating comic tragic social and political lifestyle downfall of the time in 90s, on Balkan (without even mentioning civil war). I also remember many other things, characteristic only for Zagreb people (not necessary good or bad).

PLACE TO VISIT

Nowadays, with a population of one million, Zagreb is the capital of a newly self-confident nation of Croats (with other nationalities as the minority). Zagreb City has a good museums and a vibrant nightlife, for a quality spent few days or weeks.

Many of Zagreb population visit Italy and Austria for shopping purposes, so don’t get too exciting when shopping concerns (and its not that cheap). The language spoken is Croatian though most of the young people speak English or German. Entire center of the city, which is most attractive to see, is possible to be seen if you take tram/buss and take a ride for about 10 stations, because the city busses and trams are mainly all passing through the center of city: from Maximir Football Stadium and a beautiful Maximir Park to an attractive Student Town, on the other side. Accomodation in Zagreb is very expensive, but there’s a resort for backpackers and students for 15 E per night www.ravnice-youth-hostel.hr It’s a beautiful and clean place with really pleasant staff (ask for Kelly). When I was there, in October the weather was gorgeous, not too hot or too cold, city was full of people and the hostel had entire bus of Australians visiting. Every morning I had real Australian breakfast ready to go. Zagreb, comparing to other Eastern European cities is costly, but comparing to Slovenia and other EU countries is cheap. But in Slovenia you can get accommodation double cheap, comparing to Zagreb. Croatia in general is a highly recommendable holiday destination, with its stunning coast (Istria and Dalmatia), with over 1000 islands to view and lovely Mediterranean climate, while Zagreb is a business center that looks up to Vienna (one day!).

HISTORY

Zagreb City has served as the cultural and political focus of Croatia since the Middle Ages. The city grew out of two medieval communities, Kaptol, to the east, and Gradec, to the west, each sited on a hill and divided by a river long since dried up but nowadays marked by a street. Zagreb grew rapidly in the nineteenth century and the majority of its buildings are relatively well-preserved, grand, peach-colored monuments to the self-esteem of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The area constituting modern Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1900. It was distributed among the Austrian provinces of Coastland and Dalmatia and the Hungarian province of Croatia and Slavonia. In the aftermath of World War I, it was allocated to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes that soon became Yugoslavia. The peace treaties didn’t settle the border between Italy and Yugoslavia, which was eventually negotiated in 1924. Italy had to let go off the entire Istrian peninsula, including Rijeka, Zadar and Lastovo, which were restored to Yugoslavia. Trieste became an independent city in 1947 and its territory was divided into a northern A Zone, under British-American military administration and a B Zone run by Yugoslavia. II World War and the recent civil war brought political migration of different ethnic/national groups from the area of Zagreb as well as Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, though there are still all 3 main ethnic groups in Croatia: Catholic, Orthodox and Moslem no matter of the cunning political aims.

There’s a 13th century gothic cathedral that crowns this 900-year-old city, which, with its twin spires, is the city’s most impressive landmark. The cathedral is located in the historic Gornji Grad, or upper town, which is a beautiful place to hang out, with many cafés. The quarter also contains the Church of St. Marko, with its brightly tiled roof and other remarkable features, attractions, natural beauty, traditions and customs and its tourist potential in a new way. Surrounding region of Zagreb has its natural beauties, churches and local parish fairs, which is pretty attractive for tourists of Western countries. Traditional architecture of rural area of the County is the best represented by the water mills. There are many stories and legends related to an old towns and citadels, many things were guessed about their construction, owners and they all have untold secrets they hide (and not all have the political propaganda).

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