HEIM - Nature in the heart of Zagreb (EN)

Park Maksimir, 15 minutes away from Trg bana Josipa Jelačića by tram number 11 or 12

Built on the southern slopes of Medvednica in the late 18th and early 19th century, Maksimir park was the first public park in Southeast Europe, but also one of the first of that kind in the world. The founder was the bishop of Zagreb, Maximilian pl. Vrhovac, after whom the park was named. Maksimir was declared a natural rarity in 1948. Maksimir has a number of recognizable symbols, such as Paviljon Jeka, Vidikovac, Švicarska kuća, Mogila etc. It is especially known for its lakes: I, II, III, IV and V Lake (Jezero). The sounds of birds, cyclists, joggers, the barking of playful dogs, sometimes music, the scent of nature, beautiful scenery, these are all elements that attract people to Maksimir. You can find more on following links: https://croatia.hr/en-GB/maksimir-park; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8AH0JNnafU

Zoo

Zagreb Zoo was founded in 1925, and at the time it spread only on one island, and it had 3 owls and 3 foxes. Nowadays it covers the surface of 7ha and has more than 350 different species and 7800 animals. You can find more on following link: https://zoo.hr/english/

Šetnice - Walking trails

The walks around park Maksimir have a very special appeal. You have a feeling that you are walking around untouched nature, miles away from the city whereas in fact you are only 10 minutes away from the city centre. Park was created in a former hornbeam and oak wood and therefor is full of woodland animals which is the reason why during your walk you are very likely to encounter numerous birds, squirrels, and hedgehogs. Only occasional bench and candelabrum that can be seen along the main path will remind you that you are not in the wood but in the park. Park covers the surface of 300 hectares, and it has very rich plant life and more than hundred different bird species. Just like in all English gardens the interventions in the nature were to a very small extent, and only small parts of the wood was cleared in order to connect five artificial lakes, build Vidikovac (Belvedere) and Swiss house (on the top of the hill), and Zoo garden. Wide main alley leads to Vidikovac and it is an unforgettable feeling to drink a coffee there while observing walkers in the alley that disappears as it approaches main entrance. You should definitely visit Vidikovac on Sunday when on the terrace chamber-orchestra plays music of Strauss, Kalman and Liszt. The first lake goes through the Zoo garden all the way till the back entrance of the park, and last, and the biggest, fifth lake is much higher, close to Bukovac. On the entrance to Maksimir is a signboard with the map of the park where all the paths are drawn in with their characteristics so that you can choose the most desirable route either for your walk or recreation. You can obtain the map also in the info centre in the former gamekeeper house that is only few meters away.

Vidikovac - Belvedere

is on the top of the hill and is 17 meters high. Belvedere has 3 floors and on each floor is one small room that was once used by bishops as a holiday home. Today the tradition of concerts on the Belvedere is coming back to life.

Lakes

Maksimir has 5 lakes. All of them are artificial and were mostly made in 19th century.

Mogila

is a name for a small hill, and in park Maksimir it’s in the same time a monument on the top of which is a falcon with the spread wings. The mogila came to life in 1925 when we were marking 10-century anniversary of forming Croatian kingdom. In order to create this small hill a soil from 155 different places from all over Croatia was brought to Zagreb, and these places had historical and cultural value for Croatia. Inside the hill is a led seal box that is a time capsule for the period in which it was made. Around the mogila 10 linden trees are planted as a reminder to the 10 centuries of statehood.

Izlaz - Exit

Tramvaj

Take a tram number 12, direction Trg bana Jelačića (Square of ban Jelačić)

Stadion Maksimir - Stadium Maksimir

The stadium Maksimir is a great example of the architecture of Modernism. Its blue colour is for the citizens of Zagreb not only the symbol of the football club Dinamo, but is also the symbol of the city itself. Next to the park Maksimir and Zoo garden towards the east lies the stadium. Going to the football matches was a big part of growing-up and life in general among, usually, male members of the family, and during the match the rest of the family would go to the Zoo, or would walk through the park Maksimir. Football matches used to be in the early afternoon, and after the match families and friends used to gather around the tables of the nearby restaurants or café Vidikovac. Zagreb is the city of football. After the First World War there were 70 football clubs in the city and probably just as many football grounds on the outskirts of the city. Maksimir was officially opened on May 5th, 1912 and it was the stadium of the club HAŠK. After the Second World War in 1945 not a single football ground matched the conditions needed for playing international games. The only ground with the grass was the one that belonged to ZET (Zagreb electric trams), and before the match the players had to mow the grass. All the other grounds were at that period covered in slag. Newly formed football club Dinamo (in Zagreb we call them “zagrebački modri”, in English “Zagreb’s blue boys”) moved to Maksimir stadium. Back in 1948 Maksimir stadium consisted of a grass field and a shack in which was a changing room. Next year on the southern side of the field new, brick building was erected as well as standing places, wooden tribune with 30 seats and athletic field around the football ground. In 1953 it was decided to modernise the stadium so that it would have a representative look and to be able to accommodate more people so seats that could hold up to 65 000 people were built. The project proposed by prof. Vladimir Turina, prof. Eugen Erlich and Eng. Franjo Neidhart was elected, and the construction lasted till 1970. When in 1987 Universiade was held in Zagreb the stadium went under reconstruction, and in 1998 a northern tribune was wracked and new one erected. This new northern tribune has an office building with blue glass panels facing Maksimirska cesta. In order to meet strict requirements of FIFA and UEFA from 2011 to 2013 under the supervision of prof. Ph.D. Nikola Filipović and prof. Branko Kincl stadium was again renovated. In this latest reconstruction the stadium got new blue seats on the tribune, new toilet facilities under the tribune, the grass was changed, and tartan track was renovated and the stadium was adjusted to the needs of physically disabled persons. Under the new requirements all the places for the audience have to be seating, and not standing, due to which the stadium can now welcome 35 000 fans. The reconstruction is still ongoing and the question that has arisen is following is: it cheaper to renovate it or move it altogether to a new location and build a new stadium?

Vlaška ulica - Vrtlareva kućica Gardener's Haus

The beginning of Vlaška street is one of the oldest parts of Zagreb, first mentioned in 12th century. From those days till present day the street is one of the busiest in Zagreb. In history here were several churches that had a hospital for the poor, orphanage, and cemeteries. Southern part of Vlaška street had from the end of 18th century till 1926 a Hortus Episcopalis i.e. bishop’s garden with fishponds. The only remainder of the garden today is gardener’s house that can still be seen in Vlaška. This street is famous also because our famous writer August Šenoa was born here, and you can see his statue near his birth house. More about Vlaška street on following links: http://www.mgz.hr/en/display/ves/; http://www.mgz.hr/en/display/senoa/

Izlaz iz tramvaja - Exit the tram

and continue towards the park Ribnjak

Park Ribnjak

is one of the most beautiful city parks. It is located between Ribnjak Street in the east and the walls of the Zagreb’s Cathedral. In the old times here where Park Ribnjak is today used to be an artificial pond, which received water from the Medveščak stream. When the pond was drained in 1830 thanks to the Bishop Alagović in the same place an English-style park was designed. The idea was that this will be a sculpture park, but this idea wasn’t unfortunately fully realized.

Osnovna škola 'Miroslav Krleža' - Primary school 'Miroslav Krleža'

is one of the oldest schools in Zagreb, and one of only three classical schools i.e. children in this school learn classical languages (Greek and Latin). This school was founded in 1830 by Marko Grošl, and in 1876 city’s fathers built the first school building for the primary school on Kaptol, the address was Dolac 2. Two years later school moved to a new building and it is still on that same address Kaptol 16. In 1882 kindergarten was opened next to it. Besides English, as a first foreign language that children learn from the first grade, they have an additional language that they can start learning as of 4th grade, and that language is German. School is opened only during morning, so in the afternoon children have time for extracurricular activities such as attending the Elly Bašić Music School that has some of their classes in this elementary school. For the past 30 years Miroslav Krleža school has a very fruitful cooperation with an elementary school and high school of the same name in Pécs in Hungary. The building of the school was severely damaged in 2020 Earthquake, so the building is under reconstruction and school is temporarily moved out

Tkalčićeva i Kožarska – Street Ivana Tkalčića and Kožarska

This very vivid street in the heart of Zagreb developed along the stream Medveščak that in the middle ages divided two parts of Zagreb (Gradec and Kaptol). The street got its name from a Croatian historian and priest Ivan Krstitelj Tkalčić. In 1953 this street became a part of Zagreb’s protected cultural property. In the second half of 20th century the street saw its bottom and reached the top again. After the Second World War there were no investments, so the houses began to decay, and the street lost its popularity. Then in the 1980s the houses were renovated, new bars and restaurants opened and today this is a colorful witness of Zagreb’s history that attracts many tourists and gathers all Zagreb’s generations. When I was around ten years old I started to go all alone to “the city” (as we in Zagreb call city center) that is to Jelačić square, to Dolac market, Sunday matinee, or to buy something for the school. Whenever I was going alone my mom would always warn me, just as if though I was a Red Riding Hood going to see the Grandmother: “Be careful, and I don’t want to see you in Tkalčićeva, Kožarska, Harmica or Pod Zidom. That is where drunks and prostitutes hang out and you’ll only encounter problems”. These streets had a bed reputation until Tkalčićeva and Dolac were renovated and abandoned and crumbling streets transformed into picturesque and charming streets full of cafes, restaurants, and galleries. But Kožarska remained a little “wild” even today. It winds alongside Tkalčićeva under the walls of Gradec, hidden away from the view. On two locations it is even abruptly cut by surrounding buildings. However, there are no more red lanterns here that once gave quite a clear picture of what is offered in this street. Back in those days Tkalčićeva and Kožarska were famous in Zagreb because of prostitution. Until 19th century street Tkalčićeva did not exist. Where the street is today once used to be a brook Medveščak, and Kožarska ran along this brook. Kožarska was named after the tanners who were producing leather, and, in the process, they were polluting the brook. Because of that city’s government decided in the end of 19th century to cover the brook. Tkalčićeva street was than build where once was a small street “Nad potokom” that ran just a little above and along the brook. Tkalčićeva is today another “špica” of Zagreb (just like the one in Bogovićeva). Due to Tkalčićeva street Kožarska lost on its length and lost its direction – from one street two new parts were created. Some hundred years ago this was a very vivid street during the night. This part of Zagreb was known as Zagreb’s “Red Light District” with brothels full of young, beautiful girls. At the time this was a legitimate job. First brothel was opened in Kožarska, and the procedure to open a brothel was very simple. One had to go to the city council and apply for the license. “Ladies of the night” were usually coming from the surrounding villages but also from Zagreb. They all had to undergo the medical check-up twice a week, but it was forbidden to advertise these places. Nevertheless, everyone knew where to go for the “special treatment”. The news about brothels did not travel only by word, but there were also symbols that would let you know what can be found behind the closed doors. The symbol was a figurine of a dwarf, and if the dwarf was lying down it meant that the lady was already entertaining. Based on the number of brothel Zagreb was among leading cities in Europe. This title Zagreb had until the end of the Second World War when almost every house in Tkalčićeva and Kožarska was a brothel. As a reminder on those glory days in Tkalčićeva 45 is a monument dedicated to all “ladies of the night”. It's a sculpture of a young woman leaning through the window offering her services to the passers-by. Special charm of Kožarska is that it kept secrecy and charm of medieval Zagreb. Houses from 19th century kept their original form and you can see them only on the eastern side because on the other side were once defence walls of Gradec and gardens. You can enter the street from the small park that has a monument dedicated to a writer and journalist Marija Jurić Zagorka, behind the house with the sun watch, or you can reach it from Radićeva ulica taking Male stube (in English Small stairs). Today this is almost forgotten street in which it appears as if though the time stopped. This is the reason why you should discover this street. You can find more on: http://www.mgz.hr/en/display/free_town/; http://www.mgz.hr/en/display/kaptol/

Vineyard on Gradec

Once vineyards surrounded all of Gornji grad. Till present day, only one survived, and that’s the one owned by Mr Emin Teskeredžić in Radićeva street next to Felbinger stairs. This is the only restored vineyard on Gornji grad, and the house in which Mr Teskeredžić grew-up is more than 200 years old and can be seen on the top of the vineyard. Emin Teskeredžić got his degree at the Faculty of the Veterinary Medicine, he also holds a master’s degree in oceanology, and PhD in Agriculture (Fishery). Today in his retirement he is the only Zagrebian fish-farmer and producer of sparkling wine from Gornji grad. He cut down acacia trees and planted 560 vines. His project was made by landscape architect Dragutin Kiš. Professor Edo Maletić from the Faculty of Agriculture advised Mr Teskeredžić to plant chardonnay and black pinot. On yearly basis the vineyard gives 300 kg of grapes which amounts to approximately 100 l of sparkling wine. He renovated the house and the garden in the same form they had in 1829 when architect Felbinger lived here. Felbinger was the most famous classicistic constructor of the first half of 19th century. When this house was built in the middle of 18th century it was much smaller, and Felbinger extended it, added wooden porch on the eastern side of the house with two Doric columns, garden, orchards and vineyard under the house on the slopes of Gradec. Today this vineyard above Tkalčićeva street is the one of the most photographed city’s corners.

Dubravkin put šetnja kroz parkove i ples - Dubravkin put a walk through parks and dance, Streljana and Tomislavov trg

In 1838 Zagreb's oldest shooting association build in Tuškanac its own building. The big hall of the shooting association was used not only as a shooting range but also for the concerts, and numerous Zagreb music societies organized different events here. In 1860 Pietro Coronelli, a professional dancing teacher opened his dancing school where for years numerous generations of Zagrebians learned dance and etiquette. "Our mothers and aunts remembered even the old Coronelli who transferred his knowledge of dance to his daughters Elvira and Bianka. They raised generations and generations of dancers. Daughters of Pietro Coronelli continued this tradition by giving dancing lessons in the dancing school Coronelli. Through years the school changed its premises, and in the second half of the 20th century they moved to the Tomislavov trg 2. From 1960 to 1961 I myself attended dance lessons at the Coronelli sisters on the first floor of the square of kralj Tomislav number 2. We learned basic steps of the following dances: Viennese waltz, English waltz, Boogie woogie dance, cha-cha-cha dance, swing, and slow fox. Miss Elvira and Miss Bianka explained and demonstrated the basics of etiquette such as how to enter the room by gently opening and closing the doors, how to greet when coming and leaving the room, how should girls sit while they wait to be asked to dance, how should they place their hands and legs. Us boys were taught how to approach girls, how to ask them for a dance (always a small bow with a head), and how to escort them back to their seat after the dance. Coronelli sisters always emphasized that we have to behave politely, that we should not stand too close to each other, and that there should be no euphoric, sudden movements. When our course came to an end, in the end of March, the sisters organized a special dance for all of their students in a ceremonial hall on the first floor of the Etnographic Museum. During the dance everyone could see who learned what. This used to be a social event that attracted a great attention. The dance was opened when Miss Coronelli brought in the couples in the dance hall while they were dancing polonaise. Parents of the children were standing in a row, creating a kind of corridor with their hands, and children would pass through this “corridor”. One of the dancers would than greet Miss Coronelli and this meant that the dance is officially opened, and it would last long into the night. You can never forget a dance like this". Miroslav Krleža (1893 – 1981) started writing in 1914, and after the First world war he permanently moved to Zagreb where he was born. He was the editor of several literary magazines, and after the Second World War he was the Head of Jugoslav Institute of Lexicography until 1950. Until present day he remained famous for his dramas and he is deemed as one of the most significant Croatian writers of 20th century. You can visit his house on Dubravkin put and see his sculpture. And your walk will finish on Cmrok: "When the weather was nice, we used to take a walk to Cmrok. We would go through Radićeva Street, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), Jurjevsko groblje (cemetery at Jurjevska Street). We would walk under the chestnut trees until the Cmrok meadow. During the winter I would come here for sleigh-riding, and today you can still see parents taking their children to Cmrok during winter for skiing and sleigh-riding. When our walk would end my mother would, as by magic, take out leftover cake from the lunch, and we would enjoy in it. " You can find more: http://www.mgz.hr/en/museum-programmes/living-pictures/revived-known-persons/; http://www.mgz.hr/en/collections/donation-to-the-city-of-zagreb-the-miroslav-and-bela-krleza-memorial-space,2.html

Botanički vrt - Botanical garden, Marulićev trg 9a (trams number 2, 4, 9 or on foot 5 minutes from the Trg kralja Tomislava)

Botanical garden in Zagreb is in the city center and has a surface of 4.7 hectares. The first professor of botany of Zagreb University, Prof. Bohuslav Jiruš asked the University of Zagreb to fund a construction of the botanical garden for the needs of the students of botany. His successor prof. Heinz made that dream possible in 1889. The garden is mostly built in English style, and only small part is in French style i.e. symmetrical. In order to collect plants for the collection excursions were taken from the beginning of the Botanical garden’s history, and plants are still today collected in the same way. Due to that in the garden you can find today around 5000 taxa, and the garden itself represents a peaceful oasis in the busy city. You can fin more on: http://botanickivrt.biol.pmf.hr/en/

Trg kralja Tomislava, zelena potkova - King Tomislav Square, Green horseshoe

One of the most famous symbols of Zagreb is a monument dedicated to the first Croatian king, King Tomislav. The monument was made by sculptor Robert Frangeš Mihanović in 1938. Trg kralja Tomislava, among locals known also as Tomislavac, marks the beginning of the meadow situated between the Art Pavilion and the building of the Main Railway Station. The building of the Main Railway Station is a building made in historicism style, designed by Hungarian railway stations expert Ferenc Pfaff and built in 1892, 30 years after the first train arrived to Zagreb. On the other side of Tomislavac is the Art Pavilion. It was built for the Millennium Exhibition in Budapest in 1896 as a Croatian exhibition pavilion. Many people know that the Art Pavilion is actually a prefabricated building, but very few know that it is one of the first of its kind in Europe. It was designed by Floris Korbi, and Kalman Giergl, Hungarian architects. After the exhibition ended the iron-frame of the pavilion was dismantled, and brought to Zagreb, and with minor changes made by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, reassembled and placed on Trg kralja Tomislava 22. But Tomislavac was not always called Trg kralja Tomislava. Initially it was called "Square L". When the Main Railway Station was built the square was named after the King Francis Joseph I. Only when Austro-Hungarian Monarchy dissolved, the square got its present name, Trg kralja Tomislava. Tomislavac is a favorite spot for both Zagreb residents and tourists. They visit Tomislavac in the spring for the magical beauty of nature, and in the summer tourists enjoy concerts which are part of the Zagreb Cultural Summer, they love it in the winter when Tomislavac turns into an ice fairy tale and offers entertainment at the most beautiful skating rink in Zagreb not only to children but also to adults. If you continue walking to the north you'll reach another two beautiful parks. Park J.J. Strossmayera If you continue walking to the north from Trg kralja Tomislava, right across the street you’ll find the park of Josip Juraj Strossmayer. In 1970 park was protected as a monument of park architecture. At first it was called Akademički trg - Academic Square , but it was renamed in 1928. The monument of Josip Juraj Strossmayer is the most impressive and was designed by Ivan Meštrović. On the north side of the park is the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts , the most important Croatian institution, founded in the second half of the 19th century. Park Zrinjevac Continue your walk to the north, to Trg Nikola Šubić Zrinski and you will reach park Zrinjevac one of the most beautiful symbols of Zagreb. Since 1970 it was registered as a monument of nature. Until 1866, Trg Nikola Šubić Zrinski was called Novi terg, and the park was positioned at the place where the cattle fair used to be. Wonderful symbol of Zrinjevac is the music pavilion designed by Hermann Bollé . Once on Tuesdays and Sundays there were regular music concerts and they performed music of Austro-Hungarian regiments as well as Home Guard Regiments and firefighter brass band music. One could here musical pieces composed by Smetana, Verdi, Mozart etc. and the beautiful musical background was part of Zagreb’s life until the beginning of the Second World War. The tradition of concerts in the pavilion on Zrinjevac is again brought back to life, but due to the traffic noises we can hear it with the help of loudspeakers. Another symbol of Zrinjevac is the Meteorological Pillar, which was donated to the city by doctor Adolf Holzer and was also designed by Bollé. In Zrinjevac you can’t miss the beautiful fountains, Bolle's mushroom and the popular twins, created in 1893 and 1894. In the southern part of Zrinjevac you can see the busts of important historical figures all placed in a semicircle. Because of its beauty, greenery and fountains, Zrinjevac is one of the best places to relax on the grass, read a book and socialize with your loved ones. Visit Zrinjevac, you won’t regret it. You can learn more on these parks on the following links: https://classic.europeana.eu/portal/en/search?q=robert%20frange%C5%A1%20mihanovi%C4%87&view=grid&utm_source=new-website&utm_medium=button ; https://www.umjetnicki-paviljon.hr/en/home/ ; https://digitalnezbirke.kgz.hr/?object=view&id=18239 ; https://digitalnezbirke.kgz.hr/?object=view&hash=2L3zeUpvnP ; http://info.hazu.hr/en/about_academy/foundation_of_academy/strossmayer_en/ ; https://mestrovic.hr/en/biography/ ; http://info.hazu.hr/en/ ; https://digitalnezbirke.kgz.hr/?object=view&id=18252 ; https://digitalnezbirke.kgz.hr/?object=view&id=18255 ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEIAQy_bhFo ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uck6LTrj9M ;