Tomorrow is the first day of Advent, four weeks and then it’s already Christmas! Croatia has in recent years become a rapidly popular holiday destination. The beautiful coastline and delightful scenery, its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities make Croatia an irresistible destination for those looking for diversity.
The attractive capital of Zagreb is located in the north of the country near the border with Slovenia on the Sava River. It is the ideal base for the perfect city break. The center of Zagreb is divided into two parts, the upper and lower city.
I fly today to Zagreb to explore this great city and to wander around at the various Christmas markets. Do you want to know what awaits me there? Join me and read further.
The upper town
The upper town, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is characterized by narrow streets and historic buildings. One of the main buildings of the upper town is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral that is inextricably linked to the history of the city. This impressive church with a richly decorated neo-Gothic facade is marked by two towers that rise 105 meters into the sky.
Near the cathedral you find the Dolac market; the market stalls that are selling vegetables, meat, and fish from the area are all equipped with a red parasol. It’s an excellent (and colorful) market to wander through.
Rich in traditions, the old-fashion gas lanterns
In one part of the upper town, 200 traditional gas lanterns still serve as streetlights. Traditionally every single night two lamplighters light these lamps. Another tradition that has been held in honor in Zagreb since 1242 is the firing of a cannon. Every day at 12:00 a cannon shot is fired from the defense tower Lotrščak to commemorate that Zagreb became then a free city.
The lower town
Near the Lotrščak tower runs the blue cable car that connects the upper town with the lower town. The lower town of Zagreb still shows the grandeur that prevailed in the Habsburg Empire. Here you can walk through wide streets and along large geometric landscaped parks. You’ll also see several gardens belonging to the beautiful majestic buildings in which nowadays museums and galleries are located.
Zagreb has many museums and also has some museums that have a very specific and unusual theme such as the Museum of Illusions. I am very curious because I’m going to visit this museum this weekend. Here visitors will be entertained with more than 70 different amazing exhibits and plenty of puzzles and illusions.
King Tomislav Square in spring time (Zvonimir Tanocki, Croatia Tourism)
Zagreb Advent and Christmas market
Zagreb is not only a fantastic city to visit in the summer but also in winter. Last year the Christmas market of Zagreb won the title “Best Christmas market in Europe” and is again this year nominated for this title.
The city of Zagreb pays a lot of attention to the Advent celebration. The town is during this period decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and golden decorations. From November 26 to 10 January numerous stalls and souvenir shops can be found in the squares, and the streets and traditional specialties can be tasted. Thousands of colored lights and a live nativity scene provide a magical atmosphere – almost like a fairyland.
Christmas market in Zagreb by Mirsad Mehuli
How to get there?
The flight between the Netherlands and Croatia is just one hour and a half; from Amsterdam depart daily direct flights to Zagreb. To get already in the mood, I fly with Croatia Airlines. From the airport, in Zagreb, you can reach the heart of the city within half an hour by bus. You can also drive to Zagreb by car; the ride from Amsterdam takes without delay about 14 hours.