Maksimir - a peaceful oasis in the city center
Maksimir is a city district of Zagreb whose rapid development started in 1900s when it was annexed to the city of Zagreb. Before that, Maksimirska road was the road connecting Zagreb to Varaždin and parallel to it was Petrova street, so that the citizens were able to travel comfortably to the Maksimir park.
Landmarks
Maksimir Park, the first one in the South East Europe, was opened in 1794 on the initiative of the Bishop Maximilian Vrhovac. It is decorated in the English landscape style, and the architectural objects are mostly works of a builder Francis Schücht. 316 hectares wide park preserves the flora and fauna of lowland forests, and there are also five lakes, both natural and artificial.
Image credit: Archive of public institution Maksimir
Zagreb Zoo, a place where you can see 275 species of animals from almost all continents, is situated at the southern end of the forest park.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Maksimir Stadium is a football stadium in Zagreb located in the eastern part of the city, next to the Maksimir park. It was officially opened May 5, 1912 and it was redecorated several times. On the stadium, you can watch games of GNK Dinamo, Lokomotiva, and Croatia national football team.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the urban settlement Remete in Maksimir. It is also a sanctuary. The first written record of the existence of the religious community and the church dedicated to St. Mary dates from 1288. The sanctuary was run by Paulists but after World War II, in 1963, the sanctuary was managed by Carmelites. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, along with the monastery, is protected cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
Image credit: City of Zagreb
Faculties
Maksimir is also the center of high education. There you can find universities like Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry which are a part of the Zagreb University, so it is also a perfect district for students.
Restaurants and cafes
Dva goluba
Time seems to stand still there, and if you try the food, you'll figure out why. After eating a meal, you won't be able to do anything but breathe, and you will do it with great effort. The ambience is great just like the staff, older gentlemen in white shirts, black vest, and black trousers – perfect classics.
In terms of gastronomy offer, Konoba Dida offers dalmatian atmosphere in the heart of Zagreb. You will be amazed by beautiful and peaceful surroundings where each carefully chosen detail enchants you with warmth and returns you to the past, to the original Croatian atmosphere.
You can eat fresh fish and homemade bread, and you can also choose wines of our finest winemakers from all over Croatia.
Image credit: Konoba Dida
Conty / Urban / Platinum – three connected cafes next to the Faculty of Economics known for good coffee, and during the weekends, they turn into nightclubs where you can party all night.
Žirafa – a place where drinks are definitely the cheapest ones in the city. If you want to have a table for the weekend, your booking should be done at least 3 days in advance. It is a perfect place to meet new people.
Image credit: Žirafa Facebook Page
Header image credit: Archive of public institution Maksimir
Author: Nina Klarin