The main attractions, Zagreb

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Favorite thing: Braca Hrvatskog Zmaja (The Knights Order of the Dragon) was first founded in 1408 by Croato-Ungarin King Sigismund, under the name of Ordo Equestris Dragonis. This secret organisation, which members could have been Croats of noble origins, had in its beginning the one purpose only, to defend catholicism against pagans, schismatics and enemies of the faith. During centuries though it transformed into historical and cultural society. The seat of the society is at the first floor of the tower above Kamenita vrata (The Stone Gate).
After long period of silence, the society was re-established in 1905, and in ocasion of the 90th anniversary this small square in front of the Stone Gate was named Trg Brace Hrvatskog Zmaja.

Fondest memory: The equestrian statue of St. George is work of Austrian sculptors A. Kompatscher and A. Winder. and it shows St. George after his fight with dragon. The statue was originally located in Mallnitz, Austria, in front of Villa Liebermann and in 1937 was given as a gift to Croatatian Duke Ivan Mazuranic. The statue was located in Villa Mazuranic until 1994 and since that time is located at the new place in fron of the Stone Gate.

Favorite thing: Many well worth seeing statues can be found in and around the city centre of Zagreb. The most famous is probably the horse statue at the Jelacic Square.

Other interesting statues include August Senoa leaning against an advertisement pillar (at the corner of Vlaska and J. Branjug Street) or St. George on a horse (near Kamenita vrata). Many more can be seen all around the town, so just keep your eyes open, when wandering around the town.

Favorite thing: As it gets dark relatively early in Zagreb, you shouldn't miss a stroll around the town in darkness. Some historical buildings and squares of Zagreb are beautifully illuminated at night.

Among them is the Jelacic Square, the Croatian National Theatre and the Fortification Towers near the cathedral (For more night shots, please have a look at my travelogue "Zagreb by night").

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Favorite thing: The column of the Holy Mary stands in the middle of the Kaptol Square, right in front of the Cathedral. In the lower part of the column there are sculptures and the fountain.
It is work of Antun Dominik Fernkom from 1865, while the fountain is designed by Herman Bolle in 1880.

Fondest memory: I'll tell you the little secret; this is the most refreshing sight of the town in the hot summer days and nights. The gentle breeze blows constantly from the direction of north, where the Sljeme Hill is situated. Ceck it when in Zagreb.

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Favorite thing: The Square of Ivan Subic Zrinjski, coloquially called Zrinjevac, close the northern part of the Lenuci green horseshoe. It is one of the most favorite pedestrian areas of the city, especially in the sunny Winter days.
Other citizens of Zagreb like it better in the Spring or Summer, when big platanas create refreshing shadow.

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Favorite thing: This is Jarun, one of the youngest residential areas in Zagreb. Buildings are not too big, but still quite spacy, surrounded by lots of greens and trees. There is a big lake nearby, which is in fact a heart of Jarun area, today a popular resort for not only for people from Zagreb but for our dear visitors as well! Please check other tips here and you will see that I have been mentioning Jarun many times!

Fondest memory: You will find a lot of Jarun pictures on my pages...no wonder cos Jarun is my favorite place to be when I am home, and whenever possible, I am using one of its many recreational resources, during all four seasons! Jarun has lately become a favorite destionation, not only for Zagreb residents but also for the people from the other areas and places. Unfortunaly thus has Jarun become a bit too crowded but the city has recently started to renovate another recreational park of which I will report separately! :-)

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Favorite thing: The monumental building of the Croatian National Theatre is the central building on Marshal Tito Square. It was built in 1894/95 according to the designs of famous Viennese architects, Hellmer and Fellner.

Fondest memory: The Marsal Tito Square is probably the most beautiful square in the town. Besides the theatre, here are situated Art and Craft Museum, The University and a few other representative palaces.

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Favorite thing: The very same spot in a different season. This picture was taken in the first week of January 2003, Zagreb was covered by the snow.

Fondest memory: We use to say "beli Zagreb grad" (the White Zagreb) for our town. That nickname dates from the begining of the 20th century and was given because of the white coloured facades of the houses. Nowadays, it nickname suits to the town only when covered by the snow.