Zagreb history

The history of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is rooted in the deep Middle Ages and begins with two separate settlements located on neighbouring hills. The first official mention of the city dates back to 1094, when the Hungarian King Ladislaus I founded a bishopric on Kaptol Hill. Nearby, on Gradec Hill, a secular settlement of craftsmen and merchants developed. For centuries, these two towns, Kaptol and Gradec, were divided not only by the Medveščak stream but also by frequent rivalry.

A key moment in the city's formation was the "Golden Bull," issued by King Béla IV in 1242. Following the devastating Mongol invasion, this decree granted Gradec the status of a free royal city. This event secured significant autonomy for Gradec, exemption from many taxes, and the right to self-government, which contributed to its rapid economic growth and strengthening. Kaptol, in turn, remained a spiritual and administrative centre under the authority of the bishop. The geographical location at the intersection of trade routes between Central Europe and the Adriatic also played an important role in the development of both settlements.

In the early period of its history, the city formed as two centres with different specialisations. Kaptol was the heart of religious life, dominated by the cathedral and inhabited by the clergy. Gradec, meanwhile, became a thriving centre of crafts and trade, protected by powerful walls. Despite centuries of animosity, the settlements gradually moved closer together, and in 1851, Ban Josip Jelačić officially united them into a single city named Zagreb. This unification laid the foundation for Zagreb's transformation into the political, economic, and cultural centre of Croatia.

Key Dates in the History of Zagreb

The history of Zagreb is a tale of two cities, Kaptol and Gradec, which developed side by side for centuries until they merged into one, becoming the heart of Croatia. Here is a brief timeline of the most important events that shaped the appearance and destiny of the city.

• 1094 — Hungarian King Ladislaus I founds a bishopric on Kaptol Hill, considered the founding date of the city.
• 1242 — King Béla IV issues the "Golden Bull," granting the settlement of Gradec the status of a free royal city.
• 1669 — The Jesuit Academy is founded, the predecessor of the modern University of Zagreb.
• 1776 — The Croatian government moves from Varaždin to Zagreb, effectively making it the capital.
• 1851 — Ban Josip Jelačić officially unites Kaptol, Gradec, and surrounding settlements into the single city of Zagreb.
• 1862 — The first railway line opens, connecting Zagreb with major European cities and boosting industrial development.
• 1880 — A powerful earthquake destroys a significant part of the city, after which large-scale reconstruction and modernisation begin.
• 1895 — The Croatian National Theatre building is inaugurated, becoming one of the symbols of cultural revival.
• 1907 — The city's first power plant is launched, and the electric tram begins operation.
• 1964 — A major flood occurs on the Sava River, leading to the construction of a flood defence system.
• 1987 — Zagreb hosts the Summer Universiade, contributing to a significant renewal of urban infrastructure.
• 1991 — Croatia declares independence, and Zagreb officially becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.

Major Milestones of Development and Transformation

The development of Zagreb proceeded unevenly, alternating periods of quiet growth with moments of radical change. These key events did not just change the map of the city but also defined its economic power, cultural code, and architectural appearance.

• The Golden Bull of 1242. Granting Gradec the status of a free royal city became the foundation for economic independence. This decision freed merchants and craftsmen from feudal oppression, allowing for the formation of a strong class of citizens and laying the foundations of the legal system, which turned the city into an important trade hub.
• Administrative Unification of 1850. The merger of religious Kaptol, commercial Gradec, and surrounding settlements into a single city under the administration of Ban Josip Jelačić was the starting point for creating a modern metropolis. This allowed for the centralisation of management, budget, and planning, opening the way for large-scale urban planning projects.
• Arrival of the Railway (1862). Connection to the railway network linking Vienna, Budapest, and Trieste caused an industrial boom. The city ceased to be merely an administrative centre and began to develop as an industrial hub, attracting investment and new residents.
• Urban Revolution after the 1880 Earthquake. Paradoxically, the disaster gave impetus to modernisation. During the restoration, the Lower Town was formed with its regular layout and the famous "Lenuci's Horseshoe" (Green Horseshoe) — a cascade of parks and squares surrounded by majestic buildings in the Historicist style.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough of the Early 20th Century. The launch of the first power plant and electric tram, as well as the development of the water supply system, brought the quality of life to a European standard. This time was also marked by the flourishing of the Secession style, giving the streets a metropolitan polish.
• Expansion across the Sava River (from the 1950s). The construction of the New Zagreb district was a response to post-war demographic growth. This urban planning decision turned the river from a natural border into the central axis of the city, creating vast residential areas and business zones in the Modernist style.
• Gaining Capital Status (1991). The declaration of independence of Croatia secured the city's role as the country's main political and diplomatic centre. This stimulated the development of the service sector, international business, and the renewal of transport infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the airport.

The architectural appearance of Zagreb is a living chronicle of its history, where every district and building tells of its era. The city harmoniously combines the heritage of medieval settlements, the imperial grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian period, and the dynamics of a modern capital. Walking through its streets, one can trace the change of styles from Gothic and Baroque in the Upper Town to Secession and Modernism in the Lower Town and New Zagreb.

Middle Ages and Gothic

The historical core of Zagreb, the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), has preserved features of medieval planning. The most striking examples of Gothic architecture are Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Church. The Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, was extensively reconstructed in the Neo-Gothic style after the 1880 earthquake, receiving its famous intricate spires. St. Mark's Church, also founded in the 13th century, is known for its unique tiled roof, which displays the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, as well as the coat of arms of Zagreb.

Renaissance and Baroque

From the 17th century, the Baroque style began to dominate the city's architecture, introducing opulence and elegance. This period is particularly noticeable in the Upper Town, where noble palaces and churches were built. A key example is St. Catherine's Church on the square of the same name — it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of sacral Baroque in Croatia. Building facades were decorated with complex stucco, curved lines, and dynamic forms, reflecting the influence of the architectural schools of Italy and Austria.

Classicism and Secession (Art Nouveau)

The 19th century was a turning point for Zagreb's urban planning, especially after the unification of Kaptol and Gradec in 1851 and the powerful earthquake of 1880. Active development of the Lower Town (Donji Grad) began, created according to the canons of Classicism and Historicism. The so-called "Lenuci's Green Horseshoe" was planned — a U-shaped system of eight squares and parks, around which majestic public buildings, museums, and mansions were erected. The jewel of this period was the Croatian National Theatre building (1895) in the Neo-Baroque style. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the city was swept by the fashion for the Secession style (the local variant of Art Nouveau), which gifted Zagreb with elegant facades featuring floral ornaments and flowing lines.

Modernism and Contemporary Architecture

In the 20th century, Zagreb's architecture developed along the lines of Modernism and Functionalism. The most large-scale project was the construction of the New Zagreb (Novi Zagreb) district on the southern bank of the Sava River after World War II. Here, wide avenues and residential quarters appeared, built on the principle of "form follows function." In the 21st century, the city continues to develop, with new landmark objects appearing, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, which symbolises a new chapter in Zagreb's architectural history with its bold futuristic design.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Zagreb

Zagreb, as the cultural, scientific, and political centre of Croatia, has become the birthplace or home to many outstanding personalities whose contributions have left a significant mark on the history of the country and the world. From inventors and scientists to writers and artists, these people shaped and continue to shape the image of the city.

• Slavoljub Eduard Penkala (1871–1922) — Engineer and inventor. Although born in Slovakia, he lived most of his life in Zagreb. Penkala gained worldwide fame for inventing the first mechanical pencil in 1906. He was the author of over 80 inventions, including the thermos flask, a rotating toothbrush, and the first Croatian aircraft.
• Andrija Mohorovičić (1857–1936) — A prominent geophysicist and seismologist. Working at the Zagreb Observatory, he made one of the greatest discoveries in Earth sciences. In 1909, he established the existence of the boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle, which today bears his name — the Mohorovičić discontinuity (or Moho).
• Miroslav Krleža (1893–1981) — One of the greatest Croatian writers of the 20th century. Born and died in Zagreb, he was a novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist. His work, including the novels "On the Edge of Reason" and "The Return of Philip Latinowicz," had a huge influence on the literary and social life of Yugoslavia.
• Ivan Meštrović (1883–1962) — A world-renowned Croatian sculptor and architect. Although not a native of Zagreb, his life and work were closely linked to the city, where he was a professor and rector of the Academy of Fine Arts. Many of his works adorn Zagreb, including the famous "Well of Life" fountain in front of the Croatian National Theatre and the monument to Nikola Tesla.
• Marija Jurić Zagorka (1873–1957) — The first female journalist in Croatia and one of the most widely read Croatian writers. She was a pioneer in the fight for women's rights and the author of popular historical novels, such as "The Daughter of Lotrščak" (Grička vještica). Her work is closely connected with the history and legends of Zagreb.
• August Šenoa (1838–1881) — Writer, critic, editor, and playwright, often called the "father of the Croatian novel." He lived and worked in Zagreb, serving as a senator and director of the Croatian National Theatre. In his novels, such as "The Goldsmith's Gold," he masterfully described historical events and life in the city.
• Dražen Petrović (1964–1993) — Legendary basketball player, one of the first European players to achieve star status in the NBA. His career took off at the Zagreb club "Cibona," which he twice led to victory in the EuroLeague. A memorial centre and museum are dedicated to him in Zagreb.