Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, situated beneath the slopes of the Medvednica Mountain. The town was founded 900 years ago by merging of two settlements: Gradec and Kaptol, while today it stretches across the southern banks of the Sava River, where a new part of the town, Novi Zagreb, was built. Croatian capital has excellent road connections with all parts of Croatia and the rest of Europe.
Highways enable access to the sea and neighbouring countries within a few hours, and the road Zagreb – Split was proclaimed as one of the prettiest in Europe.
Zagreb is a university town. Young people from the whole country, but also from abroad go to Zagreb's 30 schools. There are many benefits for students – various public institution discounts, cheaper accommodation and discounted travel tickets.
Zagreb is a cultural centre, hosting many music celebrities shows, movie festival and quality theatre plays. In summer there are three times as many events, where folklore ensemble performances, street concerts and street artist performances taking place on daily basis.
Each visitor that comes to Zagreb visits Gornji and Donji grad. Gornji grad is an old city centre, placed on a small hill with a beautiful view of the new part of Zagreb. All buildings have hundred years old history. In this part of Zagreb are Banski dvori (Government hall), Croatian Parliament Hall, Tower Lotrščak (the only one preserved town tower, from which a cannon ball is fired every day at noon) and Kamenita vrata (Stone Gate), with a special historical significance for the city. Saint Marc church has a distinctive roof painted with the seal of Zagreb, Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonija and Dalmatia. Nearby is St. Catherine’s church, one of the prettiest baroque churches in this region. Cathedral of Zagreb is dedicated to the Ascension of Our Lady and is built in neo-gothic style. Its two high towers can be seen from all parts of the city while in the cathedral you can find masterpieces of art.
The very centre of the city is also known as the Green Horseshoe. It includes parks and promenades in the centre of Zagreb following one another in the shape of a horseshoe. This is also the main shopping area with numerous cafes. Zagreb can be reached by plane, train or road. The accommodation can be found in one of many hotels, motels, hostels and rooms for rent.
Gastronomic offer in the town is exquisite, there are also many clubs and cafes, something can be found for every taste. Sport is favourite pastime here, like in other parts of the country, and recreational grounds can be found all over the city. There are cycling track, football and basketball playgrounds, pools... just name it.
There are three large natural resorts to which the city folks escape to. Jarun is a lake on the south, by the Sava River. It is good refreshment during the summer heat but it has facilities like sport courts and cafes opened during whole year. At night Jarun becomes a favourite going out destination for people of all ages. Depending of your own preferences, you can dance to music hits, enjoy in pleasant dining or just take a stroll by the lake. Maksimir is a park forest dating from the 19th century, with thick woods, 5 lakes, and a ZOO. Third escape oasis is the Medvednica Mountain (1033m), where you can go hiking, skiing or just enjoy in nature.
The Ring of Zagreb consists of many small towns and villages around the city. They are all located a couple of minutes drive from the city centre offering various possibilities for resting and relaxing. Samobor is probably the favourite family excursion site with small, attractive houses and idyllic atmosphere. Ivanić grad is a spa and in Velika Gorica there are valuable archaeological sites.
