Zagreb Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Zagreb

Ban Jelačić Square is the central square of Zagreb, named so after ban (governor) Josip Jelačić. The square has existed since the 17th century. Initially it was called Harmica. It features buildings belonging to different architectural styles, such as classicism, secession, and modernism. The oldest standing building is situated at 18 Ban Jelačić Square. In the middle of the square stands a statue of Josip Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn. The statue was originally installed on October 19, 1866, by Austrian authorities, despite protests from Zagreb councilmen. Nearby, in the eastern part of the square, is the Manduševac fountain.

Why You Should Visit: This is literally the center of Zagreb which makes it a convenient meeting place for both locals and tourists. There are many shops and restaurants in the nearby streets and the public transport runs through the square. Most other attractions can be reached on foot from this location.

Zagreb Cathedral is the most important and famous religious edifice in the city. Its construction was started in the 11th century, but was not finished because of wars and other reasons. Its present neo-Gothic facade appeared in the 18th century. Wood was largely used in the cathedral's construction and the scent of old wood is felt inside even today. Part of the interior are the stained-glass windows depicting biblical events. Also, there are a Baroque altar and several paintings and sculptures featuring the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

Why You Should Visit: One of the city's main landmarks; an impressive building located in Zagreb's city center.

A great variety of fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as dried foods are available at the open-air market on Dolac Street. The market is open every day (weekdays 7 to 3 and weekends until 2) and boasts some of the lowest prices in town.

Tkalčićeva Ulica is one of the oldest streets in upper Zagreb. The street is renowned for its traditional architecture and the nightlife spots located thereon. Also adding to the street's popularity are the many restaurants, shops, art galleries, and café-bars.

Why You Should Visit: Packed with bars and restaurants! This is the place to go if you're looking to taste various types of Croatian beer or have a traditional Croatian meal.

Kamenita Vrata or The Stone Gate is one of the most important historical sights situated in Upper Town, part of the old city walls. It is believed that Kamenita Vrata was built in the 13th century.

During its long history, Zagreb underwent many reconstructions and was devastated more than once. In May 1731 a fire destroyed much of the old city, burning all the houses to the ground. At that time the Gates displayed a painting of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, which was miraculously undamaged by the flames. To commemorate the event, grateful citizens built a chapel within the arch of the old Stone Gate. The chapel, which still houses the painting of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, has since become Zagreb’s most popular shrine and is regularly visited by local people who come to light a candle and thank Virgin Mary for protecting them.

Why You Should Visit: Kamenita Vrata is one of the most important historical sights in Zagreb and a definite must-see for everyone.

St. Mark's Church is a parish church in old Zagreb. The Romanesque window on its south facade, much as the semicircular ground-plan of St. Mary's chapel, suggest that the church must have been built as early as the 13th century. In the second half of the 14th century it was radically reconstructed and turned into a late Gothic-style church of the three-nave type. The Gothic composition of the portal consists of fifteen effigies placed in eleven shallow niches. On top are the statues of Joseph and Mary with the infant Jesus, and below them one can see St. Mark and the Lion; the Twelve Apostles are placed on both sides of the portal (four wooden statues replaced the original ones which had been destroyed). In its artistic composition and the number of statues, this portal is the richest and the most valuable Gothic portal in South Eastern Europe.

Why You Should Visit: This iconic little church is one of Zagreb's most popular and endearing symbols! The tiled roof sparkles and shines in the sunlight.

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is a fine art museum dedicated to the work of naïve artists of the 20th century. The museum holdings consist of over 1,850 works of art: paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, mainly by Croatians but also by other well-known international artists in the genre.

The Museum organises special themed exhibits focusing on individual artists, or to highlight specific aspects of naive art.

From time to time, the museum organizes topics and retrospective exhibitions by naïve artists, expert meetings and educational workshops and playrooms.

The museum is located on the first floor of the 18th-century Raffay Palace, 350 square meters in size.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday: 10 am - 1 pm

The Church of St Catherine is the first Baroque church in Zagreb, located in the square of the same name. Before the St. Catherine's was built, a 14th-century Dominican church occupied the area. When the Jesuits arrived in Zagreb in the early 17th century, they thought the original church too rundown and inadequate, and worked to build a new church. Construction began in 1620 and was completed in 1632. A monastery was built adjacent to the church, but now the spot is home to the Klovićevi dvori art gallery. St. Catherine's church was victim to fire twice in history: once in 1645 and again in 1674, devastating the interior. The church was refurnished with help from wealthy Croatian nobles, and in return, they were allowed to display their family coat-of-arms or have the honour to be buried or entombed in the church. Inside the church there are some Baroque-style sculptures and paintings. The building has sustained damage throughout centuries, caused primarily by earthquakes; its exterior has largely remained intact, though. Near the church is located a gymnasium and a monastery that has now been transformed into a museum.

The Lotrščak Tower is a fortified tower located in Zagreb, in an old part of town called Gradec or Gornji grad (Upper Town). Dating back to the 13th century, it was built to guard the southern gate of the Gradec town wall. The name is derived from Latin campana latrunculorum ('thieves' bell'), referring to a bell hung in the tower in 1646 to signal the closing of the town gates. The Grič cannon (Grički top) is one of Zagreb's landmarks. In the 19th century, a fourth floor and windows were added to the tower and a cannon was placed on the top. Since January 1st, 1877, the cannon is fired from the tower on Grič to mark midday, thus having functioned as a sign for the bell-ringers of the city's churches to do their job.

Why You Should Visit: Not only does the tower have an interesting history behind it; you can also experience the majestic view of Zagreb from one of the town's highest points.

Tips: Try to get there just before noon and cover your ears when the cannon goes off at precisely 12:00 each day.

Ilica street is one of the longest streets in Zagreb and considered to be the most expensive residential street in the city. The street is 5.66 km long, making it the third longest street in the city.

The busy street is home to many shops and cultural sites and spans through most of the northwestern part of the city, from the Ban Jelačić Square in the city centre to the Vrapče district. The name was first recorded in 1431, while the street itself retained its present shape at the end of the 18th century. During a part of its historical timeline, the street appeared under the name Lončarska ves.

The Croatian National Theater in Zagreb was established in 1840. The theater moved into its current location in 1895; the unveiling ceremony was attended by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. The building itself was the project of famed Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, whose firm had built several theaters in Vienna. Celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the building were held on October 14, 1995. At the theater's entrance, you can see the famed wall fountain "The Source of Life", designed by Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan Meštrović in 1905

Why You Should Visit: It is a gorgeous building in a park-like setting, surrounded by other beautiful buildings. If you are lucky, you may catch a performance and get a chance to see its equally gorgeous interiors, too.

Marshal Tito Square is one of the biggest squares in Zagreb. The square is located in Lower Town, with the Croatian National Theatre building at its centre. It is sometimes billed as the "most beautiful square in Zagreb".

The present-day square was formed in the period between 1856 (when the former hospital was built on its northern side) and 1964 (when the Ferimport building was erected on the western side). However, the majority of buildings overlooking the square were built in the late 19th century in the historicist style of architecture.

Marshal Tito square was the first in line of three squares which form the west wing of the so-called Lenuci's horseshoe a U-shaped belt of squares and parks.

The east wing of the belt is formed by the King Tomislav, Strossmayer and Zrinski squares, and the west wing by the Marulić, Mažuranić and Marshal Tito squares, with the Botanical Garden connecting the two. The square is home to several cultural and educational institutions and several landmark sculptures.

The Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb was founded in 1919 by Salamon Berger and it lives up to its name as it relates the ethnographic history of Croatia presented in costumes, local ornaments, musical and other instruments specific of this country. In a way, the museum acts as a keeper of national traditions, as well as educates foreigners about Croatian culture. It holds vast collections of photos, documents, and books related to the subject.

The Mimara Museum is an art museum housing the collection by Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara. Its full official name is the "Art Collection of Ante and Wiltrud Topić Mimara".

Of the total of 3,700 varied works of art, more than 1,500 exhibits constitute permanent holdings, dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Some of the most famous exhibits include works by Lorenzetti, Raffaello, Giorgione and others. The museum was opened in 1987. The building itself originates from the 19th century, overseen by a Zagreb architect Kuno Waidmann, and it served as a gymnasium.

The Botanical Garden is one of the best areas in Zagreb to unwind in. Founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz, Professor of the University of Zagreb, it is part of the Faculty of Science. It is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, including 1,800 exotics. It has large ponds for aquatic plants. Visitors to the garden feel recharged with energy when breathing in the fresh air and walking in the beautiful natural surrounding. As well as the lush greenery, the place features quite a bit of fauna, like ducks, pigeons, and turtles. For those tired of walking, there are plenty of benches to sit on and relax.

Why You Should Visit: Admission is free and there are fun things designed for kids. So if you want to rewind or entertain your little ones, this is a good place to visit.