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Monday, 3 February 2020

Balkan Travel Part 26: [Croaria] Zagreb Walking Tour

Zagreb was my last port of call and visiting it marks the end of my Balkan Travel. Within a short span of less than two weeks, I made four entries into Croatia, reason being the boundary of the country is irregular and peculiar. Since the Croatian destinations I was visiting are located on the extreme south (Dubrovnik) and the far north (Plitvice, Rastoke, Zagreb), it is deemed more viable to zig-zag across the borders to save time rather than to cover all the destinations within and then travelling in the opposite direction to continue the tour in the neighbouring nation. Because of this my passport was stamped 8 times in Croatia alone and I had very few empty pages left after this Balkan trip. Enough of lamenting, let me now talk about Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.

Zagreb is a big city with many things to see. It is vibrant, bustling, interesting and exciting. It didn't seem that easy to get around as the maze of streets, lanes, boulevards need more time to get accustomed to especially for a first timer. Thankfully there was a local guide who tagged along. I did a half-day walking tour but counting all the interesting places across the city, even a full day is insufficient to see all that Zagreb has to offer. This post presents glimpses of the city and its fascinating lifestyle.

Zagreb is divided into 2 parts namely Lower Town and Upper Town. While Lower Town is characterized by wide boulevards, huge parks and fast traffic, Upper Town is made up of narrow, winding lanes, old buildings dating back to 17th and 18th century and many pedestrianized zones. Upper Town is also the oldest part of Zagreb.
My walking tour started from a street called Ulica Grgura Ninskog which is located in Lower Town. It is not easy to spell and even more difficult to pronounce Croatian Street names. The first beautiful building I remember seeing is Starcevic's Home which is now the registry office and City Library.
I passed by King Tomislav Monument after which I turned into a long boulevard bordering 2 squares and a park.
I first had lunch in Asia Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant housed in this building before resuming the walk.
Just opposite the restaurant is King Tomislav Square with a fountain in the center.
Also on King Tomislav Square is Zagreb's Art Pavillion.
Lining one side of the boulevard are stately buildings. On the opposite side are squares and a park.
Next to Tomislav Square is Strossmayer Square. The building (partly hidden by trees) is now Croatian Academy of Science And Arts. A statue of Josip Juraj Strossmayer can be seen in front of the building.
This building is among the magnificent buildings seen lining the boulevard.
Towards the end of the boulevard is Zrinjevac Park. The pavillion on this park has served as an open-air concert stage since the 19th century.
The park also features a fountain, statues, many trees but few flowers.
@ Zrinjevac Park
The walk continued along Praška Ulica, a straight road that leads to Zagreb's central square. This area marks the border between Lower Town and Upper Town.
Ban Jelačić Square is located in Upper Town. This 17th century square is a happening place with shops, restaurants, open cafes and a tram track where trams run through intermittently.
Buildings on Ban Jelačić Square
 Ban Jelačić Square
 Ban Jelačić Statue
A local products fair @  Ban Jelačić Square selling all types of food, crafts and authentic Croatian wares.
A woman selling huge flat bread at local products fair,  Ban Jelačić Square
Colourful Cheese @ local products fair,  Ban Jelačić Square
Giant pumpkin @ Local Products Fair,  Ban Jelačić Square
A recently added attraction to Upper Town is a bronze map of Zagreb at Ulica Augusta Cesarca. This display known as "Zagreb Welcomes You" is a short distance from Ban Jelačić Square.

The walk continued unto Ulica Tome Bakača (street) which is lined with many souvenir shops.
The most prominent landmark in Upper Town is Zagreb Cathedral. Built around the 11th - 13th century, this cathedral is also the tallest building in Croatia. It has 2 spires reaching a height of 354 feet..
 This cathedral was built in gothic style with very ornate details.

 Zagreb Cathedral Interior

The cathedral stands on Kaptol Square. In front of the cathedral is Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
@ Kaptol Square
 A short walk from Kaptol Square is Dolac Market. It is an open-air flea market selling all types of wares, fruits and vegetables. 

@ Dolac Square
From Dolac Market, the walk continued onto Tkalčićeva Street, a vibrant street lined with small bars, shops, cafes. 
Tkalčićeva Street is pedestrianized, and looks like a fun place to hang out.
Caught glimpses of St Mary's Church @ Tkalčićeva Street
The street ended back in Ban Jelačić Square where I spent time enjoying a cuppa before calling it a day in Zagreb,

Related Posts: Click To View
Balkan Travel Pt 1: [ Romania] Bucharest Sightseeing
Balkan Travel Pt 2: [Romania] Bucharest Walking Tour
Balkan Travel Pt 3: [Romania] Peles Castle , Dracula's Castle & Romanian Scenery
Balkan Travel Pt 4: Bulgaria Attractions
Balkan Travel Pt 5: [Bulgaria] Sofia Attractions
Balkan Travel Pt 6: [North Macedonia] Skopje A City Of Mutifarious Statues
Balkan Travel Pt 7: [North Macedonia] Memorable Moments In Skopje
Balkan Travel Pt 8: [North Macedonia] Ohrid Photo Gallery
Balkan Travel Pt 9: [Albania] Glimpses Of Albania and Its Capital City Tirana
Balkan Travel Pt 10: [Albania] Walking Tour Of Tirana
Balkan Travel Pt 11: Montenegro Scenic Drive
Balkan Travel Pt 12: The Charms Of Koto Montenegro
Balkan Travel Pt 13: [Montenegro] The Old Town Of Kotor Photo Gallery
Balkan Travel Part 14: [Croatia] The Charms Of Dubrovnik
Balkan Travel Pt 15: [Croatia] The Old Town Of Dubrovnik
Balkan Travel Part 16: [Croatia] The Elaphiti Islands Of Dubrovnik
Balkan Travel Part 17: [Croatia] Plitvice National Park Photo Gallery
Balkan Travel Part 18: [Croatia] Rastoke Villagel
























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