A Walk Through Most Wonderful Zagrebian Squares

If you have ever taken a walk around Zagreb, you may have crossed some of the famous Zagreb squares. All of the squares hide some stories behind their names and have important roles in Zagrebians' lives.

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to experience Zagreb is on foot because all of the city wonders are situated mostly in the heart of the city. Many squares of Zagreb are named by the greatest people in the history of Croatia and here you can find out what the reason for that is and why those squares are so popular.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Igor Nobilo

Ban Jelačić Square

There is no chance that you've visited Zagreb and that you haven't been on the main city square located next to the Zagreb's old city cores Gradec and Kaptol.

Since 1641 Ban Jelačić Square was destined to be a place where fairs could be held and it has kept it's tradition ever since. As it is the main square, most of the important events are held there. So you can attend many food festivals, concerts, Christmas fairs and even competitions and promotions.

The main part of the square is a large statue of Croatian Count Josip Jelačić riding his horse created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn in 1866.

On the main square, you can also find the fountain Manduševac that was the main source of fresh water for many Zagrebians in the past and also the famous clock. Ban Jelačić Square is the most common meeting place for people in Zagreb so, if you need to meet up with someone, there is a big chance they will schedule the meeting next to the clock.

In the past, people rode in horsecars on the square and, later on, cars but since 1975, the square has been a car-free zone. So, if you wanna go to the main square, you can visit it on foot or by tram.

Image Credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval

King Tomislav Square

King Tomislav Square is situated near the Central Station in Zagreb and is the main attraction throughout the year for most of the Zagrebians and tourists.

It was named after king Tomislav who was considered to be the most powerful ruler in Europe and was also the first king of Croatia. The main part of the square is a monument of king Tomislav built in 1938 by Rober Frangeš-Mihanović.

The square is designed as a big garden with a fountain in the middle and The Art Pavilion nearby. When the weather is nice, it's a place where you can rest, lay down on the grass, read a book or hang out with friends while playing guitar or drinking beer.

In winter, it is surrounded by Christmas lights and decorations, fairs and stands with music, mulled wine, sausages, fritule and other Croatian homemade delights. For the last two years, it was a host of the big Ice park where you can go ice-skating and experience Zagreb's winter magic during Advent season.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square

This square is also colloquially known as Zrinjevac. The landmarks of the square are Music Pavilion in the centre of the square, created in 1891 and the park which is surrounded by trees, fountains and statues of significant Croatian historical figures.

Like King Tomislav Square, Zrinjevac is also a host of Advent in Zagreb and an attraction in the summertime and throughout the year because of it's beauty. Some of the food festivals and fairs are held there, offering delicious Croatian cuisine and concerts, and group performances, as well.

It is also a place where you can rest and enjoy the day, and if you want to, take a ride in a horsecar and experience what it was like to live in old Zagreb.

Maršal Tito Square

What your eyes don't wanna miss is Maršal Tito square situated in the Lower Town. It is named after Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslav revolutionary and statesman, and is considered to be one of the biggest and most beautiful squares in Zagreb.

A landmark of the square is a beautiful park with the Croatian National Theatre in the middle as well as many sculptures, galleries, museums, and baroque buildings surrounding it.

These are only a few of the squares in Zagreb that need to be mentioned, but the list could go much further. All of those squares hide their glamour, and if you travel to Zagreb, try to catch some of the special events on the squares so you can get a full experience.

Header image credit: Petra Kaić

Author: Petra Kaić