Zagreb, Capital city on Sava River slopes, Croatia
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia on the slopes of the Sava River and spreads across flat terrain between the river and the gentle slopes of the Medvednica mountain range. The city divides into an upper section with narrow cobblestone streets and a lower section with wide boulevards, squares and green spaces along the riverside.
The city emerged from two medieval settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, which merged into a single city in 1851 under Mayor Janko Kamauf. During the 20th century it became the political and economic center first of Yugoslavia and later of independent Croatia after 1991.
In the historic core, residents gather on open squares where street cafés shape social life throughout the year. Every morning the Dolac market fills with vendors selling local produce, while in the evenings the bars and galleries of the old town become lively meeting points.
The public transport network with trams and buses connects all seventeen administrative districts and makes orientation much easier. Most of the historic center can be explored on foot, while public transport is most practical for districts further away.
The Zagrebačka uspinjača is one of the shortest public funiculars in Europe and connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town. Visitors can enjoy a wide view from the upper terminus over the red rooftops of the old town to the flat landscape beyond the river.
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