The Unusual Places for Taking Selfies
First of all, before the beginning of the story, let me take a selfie. Ok, we can start now. :) For all citizens, the sacred ambiance lies in the heart of the metropolis, the ambiance that the citizens of Zagreb are emotionally attached to. If you pass through the Octagon, which is the location of the first Croatian Savings Bank, you will leave behind busy and noisy Ilica Street and find yourself in a quiet atmosphere that gives a feeling of peace and tranquility, but a feeling of mystery, as well. Why? Because when you enter into an octagonal hall roofed with the beautiful dome of stained glass, you can't see the exit. :)
Image credit: Nikolina Jozanović
The mystical passage that has a magical effect
Although the people of Zagreb know Octagon as a romantic and slightly mysterious passage, fewer people know that while passing through this interior, the human subconscious is being exposed to the magical action of the symbolic construction made by builders who were devoted to the ancient mystical principles of construction. Believe me, it is not another legend. Octagon leaves no one indifferent.
But while I am admiring all the architectural works, reliefs, allegorical images, sculptures, and inscriptions, the murmur is slightly approaching. It's because this passage takes you to the most popular Zagreb square, but also to the good-looking guys who are drinking their coffee. :)
Image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board
Two sisters who keep an eye on the passage for 24 hours
After handsome guys, you can't miss two sisters known as sisters Baković. This is certainly the liveliest passage where everything seems like in the movies. :) Although the official name of this passage is 'Passage of Sisters Baković', there are those who call this street 'Balkan', while others know this passage as 'Miškec's pass', but what is certain is that this passage gives vitality to the city center.
The interesting fact is that this passage, which connects Masarykova and Warsaw Street, is for many Zagrebians the most 'Zagrebian passage'. :) Although in previous years the passage lost its popularity because all trades there closed down, only a small terrace of a café continues to bring vibrancy into the street.
Image credit: Nikolina Jozanović
But what is definitely the most interesting part about this passage are two busts that adorn the wall at the beginning of the passage. The passage was named in memory of the anti-fascist sisters Rajka and Zdenka who lived and worked near this street. And when I look at them, I can just feel them welcoming me and wishing me a pleasant walk through the rest of the Zagreb's center.
The red carpet, just like the Oscars red carpet
The passage that once teemed with craftsmen, passers-by and life was Marić's passage. People would enter this passage to go to a watchmaker, jeweler or an old barber. My aunt once told me that she spent time there in one of the hairdressers, and those ladies who wanted to be trendy bought the hats of the latest fashion in one of the various boutiques which were in the Marić's passage.
Image credit: Nikolina Jozanović
Unfortunately, these 'images' of Marić's passage, which connects the Praška and Gaius Street, are remembered only by few people who still work there and some old Zagrebians who occasionally come to the capital. Only a few natives remember nostalgically of that particular passage which, believe it or not, had the red carpet. A doorman in white gloves stood in the front of the doors and opened them to all the visitors. Everyone who passed there had the opportunity to feel like Hollywood stars at least for a moment.
And while I'm acting like a tourist and taking selfies, people are watching me strangely, but with my new selfie stick, I briefly felt like a Hollywood star.
P.S. At last, I hope I've filled my friends' social networks newsfeed with my unusual and yet so ordinary selfies.
Header image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board
Author: Nikolina Jozanović