Our final Blog post from Croatia
Our
expectations of Zagreb initially were not great, however, the more we walked today the
more we appreciated the diversity of this city.
Yes, like any other city in this world, it’s busy. And there are differences such as seeing taxis
zooming along against the traffic on the tram lines – which seems acceptable
here, hmmm? Bicycles are another major
means of transportation, and they are a tad dangerous as they use the sidewalks
and consider us pedestrians inconveniences.
On the
other hand, Zagreb has many historic buildings.
Many in pristine condition while many are in need of TLC. It is certainly the
largest city we have visited in Croatia with a more typical city feel. The
architecture is stunning with its European feel that draws your eye from
building to building, marveling at the intricate designs on the facades and the
roof lines that are so eye catching.
Des did a
little research last night and discovered Upper Zagreb was where the most
interesting buildings were to be found, so we planned the Gradec Hill Walk. We plotted a map
on Google and this morning headed out in search of the buildings that were
suggested to be of greatest interest. On our way, we located a flower market
with the most stunning floral arrangements we’d seen in some time. Were we not leaving
tomorrow, we likely would have purchased more than one bouquet. They were only 5 Euros.
There were also Fall baskets with flowers and gourds in them that were very
impressive.
In our research, we had
found a funicular which was to take us to the top but before we knew it we were
climbing a set of stairs that seemed to be never ending which took us to a look
out. Once we’d started up, there was no point going back. As we looked across the top
of the wall, we spotted the funicular climbing up the side. Oops! Oh well, we
could always take it back down.
At the top,
we followed a short path which took us to the area we had we wished to visit. We now
were able to walk along the streets with the many other tourists and tour
groups and view the Lotrscak Tower, The Cathedral of Zagreb with its roof covered
in tiles depicting the Coat of Arms of Croatia and the Emblem of Zagreb, the Museum of Broken Relationships and the
Stone Gate. Unfortunately, a number of the buildings are under construction, so
we were unable to view the inside. Once we were satisfied with our touring, we
took the funicular back down to the lower level. There was a very long lineup
of people waiting to come up but we went right down.
Having just stepped into the funicular, there was a very loud explosion. For a moment we didn't know whether we should run for cover or what. We soon realised a canon had been fired from Upper Zagreb, following the tradition of announcing that it was noon in the city of Zagreb.
Back in Lower Zagreb, we wandered
around a very large vegetable and fruit market on our way to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saints Steven and Ladislav, also
under construction! The lower section is completed and is very impressive, all fresh,
clean and restored. The the spires are covered and are still being worked on. They
were both damaged in the 2020 earthquake.
We then decided
it was lunch time and wandered along an alley which had numerous cafes and
restaurants. The roadway was curved so had an interesting feel to it with the
buildings all having beautiful façades. It was then time to head back to
our abode, having wandered the streets of Zagreb for six hours. We felt it was time to put our feet up and
book our flight to London for tomorrow. Alas, our Croatia adventure nears the
end.
It has been
a very interesting two weeks travelling with great companions, Kathy and Pat.
We will have many memories to relive together.
Scenes around Zagreb
We had to reduce the photo resolutions due to slow internet connection.
(Central Square Lower Zagreb)
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| Views from the square |
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| Views from the square |
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| Interesting relief on this public building |
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| Eye catching, ornate tower |
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| Flower market |
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| Typical side street downtown Zagreb |
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| Alley leading to upper Zagreb - walls dotted with chewing gum |
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| Stairs, stairs and more stairs |
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| The rooftops of Zagreb. Cathedral in the background |
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| Eloise's new found friend |
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| Lotrscak Tower |
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| Couldn't resist this pic! |
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| Coat of Arms of Croatia and Emblem of Zagreb on the roof of St Mark's Church - 1880 |
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| Stone Gate containing a small chapel |
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| Funicular to Upper Zagreb-60 meters long |
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| Flower market |
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| Fruit and vegetable market near the cathedral |
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| Zagreb Cathedral. Spires being repaired from the 2020 earthquake |
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| An interesting building adjacent to the cathedral |
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| The street where we had lunch |
