The Tour of Zagreb

Zagreb has evolved over many years from the old town with the wall to the lower town built on the swamp below with a river separating both. The river which had water wheels along its banks became very dirty (butchers tipped their scraps into the water, and other unsavoury habits made the water quite polluted).  This small river is a tributary of the Sava River which flows into the Danube.  It has been piped and covered to become an underground clean stream, and the water wheels taken over as bars and restaurants.  The third section of Zagreb is the new town, about 5 kms south on the banks of the Sava River.  All three are now joined as one city which houses about 1 million residents. The population is slowly decreasing, with most families having one child only.

The man on the horse in the main St Marks square is jelavic (Joseph). He saved Croatia when the Hungarians came to take over the country.  He is the hero of Croatia, but when Tito arrived with his communists, he destroyed the Statue and cleaned out the old history.  In 1945, the locals were rid of Tito and they found the ruins of the statue of Joseph on the horse, put the pieces back together, and that is what we see today in the Square.

In the High Town an elderly Christian lady lived in a small apartment, and spent much of her time praying.  One night in 1731 one of her candles set a fire alight, and with most of the buildings being constructed of wood the majority were completely destroyed.  She survived, as did the painting of Madonna and Child in her home.  This painting is now displayed in a memorial at the entrance to the Stone Gate, and revered by Catholics.  

The earliest currency here was mink skins (minks are plentiful in Croatia and Bosnia).  The name for a mink is "Kuna" which is where the currency gets its name.

We had an excellent guide for a walking tour for two hours this morning.  There is so much to be learned about the history, buildings, people, geography, and politics which would be missed if you just walked around yourselves.  

The fenicula was out of service for maintenance during the peak tourist season

Traditional clothing worn by the girls in Croatia

Tiled roof on church. Tiles made in Hungary in shape of coat of arms of Croatia.

Cathedral of Assumption - 19th Century (took over 100 years to build and one earthquake to destroy!

Krishna enthusiasts

Statue in St Marks square

This spot was where the criminals were beheaded !!!!

The main market open 7 days per week.