Zagreb

Place description

Today's Zagreb has grown out of two medieval settlements that for centuries developed on neighbouring hills. The first written memory of the city dates from 1094, when a diocese was founded on Kaptol, while in 1242, neighbouring Gradec was proclaimed as free royal city. Both the settlements were surrounded by solid fortress walls and towers, remains of which are still preserved.

During the Turkish onslaughts on Europe, between the 14th and 18th centuries, Zagreb was an important border fortress.
The Baroque reconstruction of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries changed the appearance of Gradec and Kaptol. The old wooden houses were demolished, at a  time opulent palaces, monasteries and churches were built. The numerous trade fairs, the revenues from landed estates and the offerings of the many craft workshops greatly contributed to the wealth of the city. Affluent aristocratic families, royal officials, church dignitaries and rich traders from the whole of Europe moved into the city. Schools and hospitals were opened, and the manners of European capitals were welcomed.

The city outgrew its medieval borders and spread to the lowlands. The first pleasure gardens and country houses were built. Zagreb confirmed its position as the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Croatia.

When Kaptol, Gradec and the surrounding settlements were administratively combined into the integrated city of Zagreb in 1850, the development speed up even more.

The disastrous earthquake in 1880, sparked off the reconstruction and modernization of many shabby neighbourhoods and buildings. Prestigious public buildings were erected, parks and fountains were renovated, public transportation and municipal services were organized.

In the 19th century the population increased tenfold. The twentieth century brought the spirit of Secession into Zagreb.
The city lived in the abundance of a civil society, firmly linked with all of that time European centres of cultures, arts and sciences. With an increase in wealth and industry, from the 1960s the city spread out over the wide lowland alongside the Sava River, where a new, contemporary business city has develop, ready for the challenges of the third millennium.