
City of Zagreb
About the city
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and by population the largest one. Historically, Zagreb originated from two villages on the nearby hills – Gradec and Kaptol, who are the core of today's Zagreb's Old Town. Zagreb is an administrative, economic, cultural, commercial and scientific heart of Croatia. Both by position and culture, it belongs to the cities of Central Europe.
History
The old and new city are considered cultural monuments and have preserved the atmosphere of the medieval and baroque era to this day. Although human settlements in the Zagreb area existed earlier, written evidence of the founding of Zagreb is historically linked to the establishment of the bishopric in Kaptol in 1094. Another important event occurred in 1242, when King Bela IV issued the Golden Bull – a charter granting significant privileges to Gradec, making it a free royal town. Also significant is 1557, when Zagreb was first mentioned as the Croatian capital. In the mid-19th century, the existing parts of Zagreb were merged into a single settlement, creating conditions for the development of a modern Central European city. Finally, in 1991, the Croatian Parliament declared independence and sovereignty, and Zagreb became the capital of a new independent European state. Zagreb is also a business center, a university hub, a city of culture, art and entertainment. Many famous scientists, artists and athletes originate from and work in our city. Zagreb offers its guests the baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, diverse shops and a rich selection of artisan products, and delicious local cuisine.
Gallery


Zagreb, a city of one million
Zagreb entered the third millennium as a city of one million. Despite the rapid development of economy and transport, it has preserved its unique beauty and relaxed atmosphere, making it a true city on a human scale. According to the 2021 census, the City of Zagreb has 767,131 inhabitants, of which 408,515 women and 358,616 men. The wider metropolitan area gathers more than one million inhabitants.
Largest city districts
Trešnjevka (more than 120,000 inhabitants), Novi Zagreb (more than 110,000 inhabitants) and Dubrava (close to 100,000 inhabitants). The City of Zagreb, as the capital of the Republic of Croatia, has a special constitutional status from which it follows that it performs the tasks of both a city and a county. City Assembly members are elected by citizens in direct elections, and then the members elect the mayor and the City Government by a majority vote. The University of Zagreb is the oldest in Croatia and among the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1669, more than 225,000 students have graduated, more than 20,000 have earned master's degrees, and more than 11,000 have earned doctorates.
Sports headquarters
Zagreb is a major sports center with numerous professional and amateur sports clubs. Among football clubs, besides GNK Dinamo, we must highlight NK Lokomotiva, NK Sesvete, NK Zagreb, basketball club KK Cibona, as well as RK Zagreb, RK Medveščak, VK Mladost and VK Medveščak, rowing, athletic and many other clubs. The year 2018 will also be remembered for another historic success in Croatian football – Croatia won second place at the World Cup in Russia, and the fantastic welcome of the national team at Ban Jelačić Square was admiringly broadcast by world media. Four years later, Croatia won another medal at the World Cup, this time bronze, and in 2023 played in the Nations League final. The University of Zagreb is the oldest in Croatia and among the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1669, more than 225,000 students have graduated, more than 20,000 have earned master's degrees, and more than 11,000 have earned doctorates.