Zagreb, the capital of Croatia,
is the seat of government and administration and the
heart of the scientific, research and industrial
economy. It is known for its quality of living,
sporting and entertainment events, and its museums,
of which there are 40.
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With a population of nearly 900,000 people, Zagreb was the
second-largest city in the former Yugoslavia. It is the
center of most of Croatia’s industry, as well as
the country’s political and intellectual capital.
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The Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary includes the The Holy Mary Monument
with its 4 golden angels.
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Urban
development flourished between the earthquake of 1880 and the
outbreak of WW I, with the building of tramlines,
gasworks, a grid street layout, multi-story attached
housing, and planned parkland.
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The pretty Art Pavilion is located in Park Zrinjevak. Surrounding the park
are other beautiful public buiding such as the Academy of
Sciences and Arts and the Courthouse.
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Zagreb's old town
consists of two medieval settlements, Gradec (Fortress)
encircled by walls that were built to defend against the
Mongols in the 13th Century, and Kaptol, the ecclesiastical
settlement which was fortified in the 16th Century.
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Tkalčićeva
and
Radićeva
Streets are lovely pedestrian zones lined with cafes,
restaurants, and small shops housed in colorful
historical buildings.
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A short and steep funicular railway constructed in 1888 connects
the Upper and Lower Towns.
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The Strossmayer Promenade offers a view
across red-tile roofs towards the cathedral and modern
skyscrapers.
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Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is the historic
district emcompassing medieval hilltop settlements laced
with delightful lanes and courtyards.
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St. Mark’s Square, home of the Croatian Parliament, houses
St. Mark’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century and
features a fantastic tiled roof with the coats of arms of
Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.
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The Croatian Museum of Naive Art features artworks of the unique
20th century Croatian naive art genre.
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The quirky Museum of Broken Relationships features donations
from around the world of the mementoes left over after a
relationship ends.
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Croatian naive art has stylized rural scenes.
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Traditional Croatian dress has ornate embroidery. |
Traditional Croatian handicrafts include wooden toys and puppets.
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Zagreb's most famous street art,
Anamorphosis,
gracing the facade of the abandoned Galerija Gradec
building, is a 3D work by French artist Etien.
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For the past 7 years,
Zagreb has been embracing street art. Entire blocks are
filled with murals.
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Croatia has a well-educated and
entrepreneurial populace. It is a leader in transportation
technology, especially electric cars.
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Jelačić Square is the heart of
Zagreb.
On the weekend we were there, there was a food festival, an
artisans' market and a vegetarian fair.
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