Bana Jelačića Square

This is the real center of Zagreb. It is on Ilica St., the main shopping street and dividing line between the Upper and Lower sections. It is named after Prince Josipa Jelačića, who put down the Hungarian uprising in 1848. This local hero fell into disfavor in Tito's time and his statue was stored away in 1947 for being overly nationalistic. It was reinstalled in 1990. The square bearing his name is not particularly attractive, with buildings from various periods, beginning in 1827. This does not prevent it from being used as a meeting place for both locals and tourists.

Dolac

Dolac, familiarly known as "Zagreb's belly" is the city's biggest market. The stands sell mostly meats and produce and the square is always filled with people, especially towards the end of the week. The square was opened up in 1926 when a block of crowded buildings was razed. Across from the square is St. Mary's Church, constructed in an unusual combination of the gothic and baroques styles.

Tkalčićeva Street

The street dividing the medieval villages of Gradec and Kaptol, this thoroughfare has changed from a border line to an "industrial zone" where workshops congregated to produce leather goods, pottery, cloth and even bread. Crafts have remained here alongside the cafes and restaurants that now occupy much of the street.

Stone Gate

Originally part of the city's defenses from the 13th century, and one of the four entrances to Gradec, this site has seen many changes. In 1760 it became a short, dark underpass with a shrine to the Virgin Mary. According to the legend, a 1732 fire consumed a building and everything in it except for an icon of "Virgin and child", found undamaged amidst the ashes. This icon, considered to bring health and longevity to believers, became a site of pilgrimage.

Banski Dvori

Next to St. Mark's Church, Banski Dvori is the presidential palace, guarded by sentries in red ceremonial uniforms. The public is invited to view the changing of the guard on Saturdays and Sundays at noon from April through September.

Lotrščak Tower

Built on the city walls in the 13th century, this Romanesque-type tower was fitted with a bell to be rung every night, warning that the gates would be locked. The cannon, which fires every day at noon, were originally employed to ward off Ottoman troops.

Funicular

With the establishment of the new Zagreb in 1880, it became necessary to make the access between Gradec and the Lower City a little easier than the long flights of stairs or the round-about walk through the more gently sloping Kaptol. Thus the funicular was built, beginning operations in 1891. It is one of the shorter rides in Europe at 66 meters, but it is also one of the steepest.

Mirogoj Cemetery

Zagreb's cemetery, opened in 1876, is one of the most attractive in Europe. It serves all three religious denominations as well as Croatia's great and wealthy. The latter are buried in vaults while the commoners are in graves under the stars. The grounds are expertly manicured and the statues and sculptures are worthy of any museum.

Glavni kolodvor (Train station)

Zagreb's central rail station was built in 1896 according to plans by the Hungarian architect Pfaff. It is a prime example not only of the Imperial style, but of urban planning, with two green squares on its northern and westerns sides. (Tomislav Square 12).

Croatian National Theatre

Built at fin de siècle to plans by the Viennese architects Helmer and Fellner, who had designed several of Vienna's theaters, this tremendous building in Tito Square is another fine sample of the Imperialist style. Emperor Franz Josef was present at its opening in 1895. Ivan Meštrović's sculpture, the Spring of Life, is installed in front of the theater.