Central European in appearance and spirit, Zagreb bears the hallmark of centuries spent under Vienna and Budapest. The
capital of Croatia, with just over a million inhabitants (a quarter of the nation), Zagreb is the country’s
economic,
industrial and
administrative powerhouse.
Founded in the
Middle Ages,
Zagreb began life as two separate entities,
Kaptol and
Gradec, which today comprise the historic
Gornji Grad (Upper Town). Centerd around the city’s landmark
cathedral, Kaptol was a
religious center, while Gradec was
home to
craftsmen and
merchants. Outsiders collectively referred to the settlements as Zagreb (meaning ’behind the hill’), although they were not officially united as the City of Zagreb until
1850.
Boom time followed with the late 19th century characterized by the arrival of the railways and the construction of
Donji Grad (Lower Town). Next came industrialization and the influx of migrant labor. Croatia’s war of independence (1991-1995) saw Zagreb flounder as its industry collapsed and refugees flooded the city.
Today the difficult days of the early 1990s seem a world away. A strong national economy, coupled with investment in business and tourism, has restored the city to its former glory. For the visitor this translates as an ever-increasing choice of plush accommodation and a plethora of chic bars and restaurants, as well as the chance to ride on shiny new trams and to see some of Croatia’s most important cultural sights.
It is perhaps no surprise, then, that Zagreb is confidently leading Croatia towards full integration into the European Union, with accession predicted as early as 2009.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Zagreb Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Croatia Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Croatia Airport Guides:
|
Croatia City Guides:
|
| Croatia Attraction Guides: |
|
|
Available Tours to Croatia:
|
