Zagreb, last day
The tall, modern building (Zagreb skyscraper) in the background has an observation deck on top. This building was next to my hotel so all I had to do was look for the skyscraper to find my way back.
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A colourful street in the city.
The Lotrscak Tower is the only preserved medieval tower from the 13th century, slightly modified in the 19th century, with a small look-out post at the top. The bells on top of the tower used to summon the townspeople to return to the town at sunset when the gates were locked for the night. The tower is now famous for its cannon which is fired every day at noon. We were in the area at the time and the noise from the firing was very loud.
Back to the Ban Jelacic Square. The square was originally named "Harmica", Hungarian for one thirtieth after the tax levied on the goods that were sold here in the days when the square was the city's main marketplace. In 1848 the square was officially renamed in honour of Ban (Governor) Josip Jelacic. After World War II, the name of the square was changed to "Republic Square" until it returned to its previous name in 1990.
A merchant selling cactus plants in the square.
We walked through beautiful gardens in the city.
Later in the afternoon, Sonja drove Roman and I to the Mirogoj Cemetery located just outside the city centre. Roman explained to me that the cemetery is very unique because it inters members of all religious groups: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Latter Day Saints etc. The cemetery was created in 1876 on a plot of land owned by the linguist Ljudevit Gaj.
The construction of the arcades, the cupolas and the church in the entryway was begun in 1879 and the work was finished in 1929. This cemetery is the resting place of many eminent Croatians.
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This was my favourite cemetery photograph.
Sonja picked us up from the cemetery and we headed over to the Observation Deck to take some photos overlooking the city. The Greb Eye is an observation deck located at Ban Jelacic Square (across the street from my hotel) on the 16th floor- at the very top of the Zagreb Skyscraper. It was a beautiful day, although somewhat hazy however, we had great views of the city including the Upper and Lower Towns. The Zagreb Skyscraper was built between 1957 and 1959. When it opened it was the tallest and most modern building in the former Yugoslavia. The observation deck has a covered terrance and a 360-degree view. You can sit upstairs, order a drink and admire the scenery.
Rooftops in the city.
Overlooking the Ban Jelacic Square.
On the left, lower side of the photo, you can see the 66-metre-long funicular that connects the Upper and Lower Town. It is the shortest passenger cable railway in the world. The funicular takes only 55 seconds to get from one end to the other. This funicular was opened in 1890 when it was powdered by steam and was the first ever means of public transportation to be opened in Zagreb, pre-dating horse drawn trams by one year.
One of the last shots before leaving the tower.
We walked to Upper Town in time for sunset and some nice light.
Both the Upper Town and Kaptol have kept the gas streetlights that date back to the beginning of the 19th century. Everyday at sunset, two lamp lighters light more than 200 gas lanterns in the streets. We waited for it to get dark so I could photograph the streetlights.
The last shot of the night. A tripod was not used because the security guards in this square (government buildings) do not approve of tripods to be used in this area.
Comments
Do the guards allow a monopod? I am finding it useful when tripods are forbidden.
Love the upper town and Kaptol.
Bill