Discover The City of Youth and Have a Best Day Ever!
After World War II, the cities for education, recreation and raising children, so-called Pioneers’ cities, were built all across Eastern Europe. They were also models of urban architecture and a getaway for kids during summer vacation.
After the break-up of Yugoslavia, and as Croatia became an independent and democratic state, the Pioneers’ city in Zagreb got a more suitable name - The City of Youth. Originally, the city was located on what used to be the far outskirts of Zagreb, near Granesina, one of the villages of the Dubrava neighbourhood. Today, The City of Youth is an essential part of multicultural Dubrava and has a lot of potential for growth and redevelopment.
Image Credit: Vanja Radodanovic, Nepoznati Zagreb
During the construction which lasted from 1948 - 1951, it was really important to make a perfect blend of architecture and nature in order to make a suitable environment for children. Pioneers’ city consisted of accommodation buildings for 400 children, a restaurant, a library, a post office, a hotel, outdoor playgrounds, recreational and educational facilities, sculptures and outstanding nature. Because of this, and the fact that it has been an important part of Croatian history, it is on the list of Protected Cultural Heritage. The City is now used for educational purposes and it has programs for preschool and elementary school children which give them the opportunity to further develop their skills and socialise with their peers during a five-day stay in accommodation buildings that are renovated and completely adapted to their needs.
What to do in this extraordinary place?
I've been living in Zagreb for two years now, and I've never visited The City of Youth until a few days ago. To be honest, I didn’t hear about it till now, but I was fascinated by it. The blend of nature and architecture is really amazing! The peaceful environment invites you to enjoy the nature and discover the true meaning of taking a day off. Even though some buildings are in a really bad shape, others are still in use today.
Image Credit: Rafael Pejcinovic, Nazor
One of them is the restaurant where you can eat traditional Croatian food at fair prices. After a good meal, there are some new and old playgrounds where you can find your inner child! 50 hectares of the City is crisscrossed by many beautiful paths, sculptures, miniature golf courses and sports courts which are all well incorporated with beautiful trees and big meadows where you can take your significant other to have a picnic or just rest on the freshly mowed grass. Just don’t forget the blanket!
Image Credit: Vila Marija
Opposite the restaurant, you’ll find a big lake surrounded by a path, a perfect place for a really nice photo! You can sit on the benches and observe the ducks, people trying to catch some fish and maybe spot one of many turtles! Sculptures around the City are as fascinating as children’s weather station, the house of Hansel and Gretel, and a hotel for ants! Yes, you've read it correctly! The hotel for ants is a little house for, well, you know, ants! My advice is to try to visit all the sculptures because you’ll be fascinated by them. Maybe you’ll get lucky and visit the City during an excursion so your day will be filled with children’s laughter and happiness.
Image credit: Rafael Pejcinovic, Nazor
Because of the size of the City, you can even take your friends to some of the tables and benches deep into the woods and have a really nice hang-out. Also, there are many sports courts where you can play different sports. Make sure you bring your own equipment because, unfortunately, you can’t rent it. Some of the sports courts are poorly maintained, but who says you can’t make it work for you or even invent some new sport!
In conclusion, The City of Youth is a beautiful place to be on your day off, a place where you can relax and have fun. Even though some of the buildings and facilities are poorly maintained, you’ll find yourself having a great time surprised at how you didn’t even notice them at all, just like I did!
Header Image Credit: Vila Marija
Author: Tajana Pran