Upper Town Walking Tour (Self Guided), Zagreb

Andautonia was a Roman settlement near the location of today's Zagreb. Historical record attests to the name "Zagreb" in 1134, referring to the founding of the diocese of "Kaptol" by sainted King Ladislaus in 1094. Kaptol is the "Upper Town" of Zagreb. The "Lower Town" is "Gradec."

Upper Town centered around Zagreb Cathedral consecrated in 1217. Upper Town was the home of the clergy, while Lower Town was home to artisans and merchants. The two settlements were separated by Medvescak Creek, now represented by Mandvescak Fountain in Ban Jelacic Square, the main square of Zagreb.

Upper Town forms a medieval neighborhood of churches, palaces, museums, and galleries. Starting from Ban Jelacic Square, the historic district is easily explored on foot. The 13th-century Stone Gate holds a shrine to the Virgin Mary that did not burn in the devastating fires of the 1600s.

The funicular on Tomiceva Street lifts visitors to St. Mark's Square in the Upper Town. Here the Order of The Silver Dragon re-enacts the historic battles of Lower Town vs. Upper Town. The Archeological Museum has almost 450,000 artifacts and monuments. The Modern Gallery has over 10,000 works of art.

The most impressive building of Upper Town is the 11th-century Zagreb Cathedral, but St. Mark's Church's colorful tiled roof is also unforgettable. The Museum of Broken Relationships is a new approach to love gone bad. Lotrscak Tower still protects the Upper Town, firing a cannon every day at noon.

Markets and restaurants on Tkalciceva Street offer specialties of Zagreb. Products include crystal, china, ceramics, wicker, wines, and gastronomic delights.

Zagreb is a festival venue year-round. The open-air INmusic Festival occurs in June. The Zagreb Jazz Festival occurs in clubs and concert halls. There are twenty or more permanent and seasonal theaters.

Visit Dolac Market. Under the red umbrellas, find a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, wines, and pastries. Walk along Ilica Street, munch on a walnut roll, and have an espresso. When the cannon goes BOOM, it's time for lunch. Enjoy.