Zagreb the Fascinating and vibrant Capital of Zagreb was visited on the last leg of the Tour. We reached Zagreb, sometime during evening and the sight was picturesque. It was serene, captivating and exciting. I needed to sync in with the rhythm of the City. After having coffee, walked the twisty and narrow alleyways of the magical Upper Town. A typical stairway that from the Down Town (Donji Grad) rises to the Upper Town ( Gornji Grad). I was astounded to walk through the beautiful courtyards and listen to one’s own footsteps as we saw the first flicker of the vintage gas lamps.
In the 19th century, Kaptol and Gradec, the two biggest settlements on today’s territory of Croatia’s capital, were joined into one town. The eastern part, Kaptol, was mostly inhabited by the clergy and was located on, what we now call, Gornji Grad. Zagreb has many well-preserved stairways all around the town. Using the funicular might seem an easier way, especially if you’re in Zagreb for a short period of time and you want to see as much as possible. I found the stairways very adventurous and stunning way of exploring the historical heritage of Zagreb.
Then I visited Zagreb 360° – Observation Deck & Café, where I experienced unparalleled views of the city and relax on the terrace 16 floors above ground. Got a panoramic view of Zagreb, which was dotted with fascinating view as the sun set around 9 p.m. of the best view of the city, with its natural European brilliance and a memorable evening to welcome me to this cosmopolitan capital of Croatia.
It was afternoon time, and before going for a quick lunch, could not help visiting a very unique museum – A Museum of Broken Relationships. It was curated by two artist, in 2003 as a testimony to their severed four-year love relationship, it had many personal items along with letters, and handwritten notes which bared testimony to the love which was nurtured and preserved here, in spite of war, peace and difficult times. It has mementos wrapped up with poignant emotions.
Afterwards, visited the 13th-century, Lotrščak Tower offers a 360-degree view of the Zagreb city from the top. Moreover, it has conducted a ceremony every day for the last hundred years. Every noon a cannon is fired from the tower towards the Sava River to commemorate its first firing on the attacking army of Turks in the 15th century. If you hit the monument in time, you might witness this historical ongoing ceremony or can hear it anywhere in the vicinity.
The evening I spent at the Zagreb main city square – Ban Josip Jelacic Square. Which is the central place for all to meet. It is one of the imposing monument in the main city center. In 1848, the square was renamed to its present name. A large statue of ban Josip Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor, despite protest from Zagreb councilmen and Hungarians. It is one of the business place, and near to the dolamac market where you get your daily necessities. Finally spent the entire afternoon at the Zagreb zoo which is a 7-hectare (17-acre) zoo, where one feels totally connected with the nature. A must visit.
A must have Sir i vrhnje – cottage cheese and sour cream, which was really yummy and sweet potato dumplings and Krass( Choclates).
Quintessential Indian 