Zagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia, is nestled in the country's northwest, along the Sava River and at the southern foothills of the Medvednica mountain. The name "Zagreb" was first documented in 1094 when it became the official seat of the bishop of Zagreb. Historically, the city was divided into two main centers: Kaptol, centered around the cathedral and primarily inhabited by clergy, and Gradec (now known as the Upper Town), home to the nobility, craftsmen, and merchants.

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A Croatian legend attributes the city's name to a tale where a thirsty ruler asked a girl named Manda to fetch water from the Manduševac spring. He said, "Zagrabi, Mando!" which translates to "Scoop it up, Manda!" This spring is now a fountain located in the heart of Zagreb's Ban Jelačić Square.

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Zagreb's rich history has endowed it with numerous historical landmarks. The Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata), the only remaining gate from the Middle Ages, tragically burned down on May 31, 1731. Miraculously, an icon of the Virgin Mary survived the fire and is still displayed prominently at the gate. This event led to the designation of Our Lady of Kamenita Vrata as the patron saint of Zagreb, and May 31 is celebrated as the City of Zagreb Day. Close by stands Zagreb's oldest operational pharmacy, established in 1355, where Nicolo Alighieri, Dante Alighieri's great-grandson, once worked as a pharmacist in 1399.

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A must-visit is the Zagreb Cathedral, originally built in Romanesque style but later renovated in Neo-Gothic architecture following an earthquake. The city's medieval defense system is exemplified by the well-preserved Lotrščak Tower, where a cannon is fired daily at noon. The St. Mark's Church, built in the 13th century and renovated in the 14th, is renowned for its vibrant roof tiles depicting the coat of arms of both Zagreb and the historical Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia. The church also features Zagreb's oldest coat of arms, engraved with the year 1499.

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The funicular, connecting the historic Upper Town with the 19th-century Lower Town, is a favorite among tourists. Zrinjevac Park, located in central Zagreb, offers a serene escape and houses the National Academy of Sciences and Arts. Zagreb's many museums and theaters mirror not only the city's and Croatia's history, art, and culture but also that of Europe. Among them, the Croatian National Theater, built in 1895, stands out as a cultural beacon.

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(Zagreb tourist office)