The City of Zagreb
I’m packing and getting ready for early start tomorrow. My family and I are going to the city of Zagreb. Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava River, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountain.
The name “Zagreb” is mentioned for the first time in 1094 at the founding of the Zagreb diocese of Kaptol, and Zagreb became a free royal town in 1242, whereas the origin of the name still remains a mystery in spite of several theories.
The weather is hot today. I’m looking forward to the last supper and for an evening of surprise of Zagreb’s old town. Our journey to Zagreb was accompanied by a gloomy, rainy morning, but the trip wasn’t too far away from Bihać.
Everyone heard about Croatia, and I know everyone that’s been there fell in love with Croatia, in their culture, nature, food, and sea coast.
I will not talk about Zagreb as a tourist city, but I will tell a legend that I learned last year when I visited a city, how Zagreb got its name. I won’t talk much about the attractions of Zagreb, but it is fabulous to find out everything you want to know about this fascinating city.
Are you ready to hear the story?
There are many legends and stories how Zagreb got the name. The daughter of King Kresimir, ‘Mandusa’, was in love with a nobleman Dobromir, which is considered his knight and protector. Mandusa had the miraculous powers on the waters.
Once, when they sailed away and hid in a bay, they remained without drinking water. With the help of forked branches Mandusa found water. Shortly after, the Hungarian prince Emeric proposed Mandusa. King Kresimir, because of the peace, decided to give his daughter’s hand. When Mandusa heard the news, she bitterly cried for three days. King Kresimir’s conscience tortured him, and is set that Dobromir follows princess Mandusa on the way to future husband. When they reached the river Drava, Mandusa and Dobromir realized that they will soon have to split up, but then they found out that the Hungarian prince Emeric passed away.
They went back. That summer was hot and because of drought, the river turned to dirt, roads were dried up and streams in a wood ended, as they were traveling toward the river Sava. Dreadful they were thirsty. Dobromir asked Mandusa decided to help them and to help the people who lived there. Mandusa again took the forked branch and when at one point Mandusa exclaimed; “Scratch!” (in Croatian Zagrebi). Soon, appeared the water, clear and cold.
That night, Dobromir said to Mandusa, “There where Pannonian Plain flows into the western hills, should build the city.” Mandusa agreed and asked what this city will be called. Dobromir only knew that the source of which is found forever be called by its name, ‘Manduševac’, and asked what it exclaimed before they started digging. Mandusa said, “Scratch … I think I said so.”, And Dobromir exclaimed, “Then let the city called Zagreb!”
I hope you like the legend.
When you walk the streets of Zagreb, when you see the sights of his monuments, get to know the art collections … you will be amazed. But when you’re sitting in one of its beautiful cafes, walking in the streets and parks, or talking to people, you’ll love Zagreb. And at first sight you will know – is this love at first sight, as strong as it is a long acquaintance and friendship more.
Day is quickly ended. I returned home with my family late. On the way home we stopped in a beautiful city Karlovac. The city is known for being situated on four rivers. I warmly recommend you to take some time and visit Zagreb and Croatia. Let Zagreb became your dream vacation destination. Here are a few pictures of Zagreb;
1. Garden Zrinjevac
2. Square Ban Jelačić
3. Theater HNK
4. Cathedral
I hope you will soon visit this gorgeous capital city of Croatia. It will definitely be worth your while.
