Today's Zagreb has grown out of two medieval settlements that for centuries developed on neighbouring hills. The first written mention of the city dates from 1094, when a diocese was founded on Kaptol, while in 1242, neighbouring Gradec was proclaimed a free and royal city. Both the settlements were surrounded by high walls and towers, remains of which are still preserved.
During the Turkish onslaughts on Europe, between the 14th and 18th centuries, Zagreb was an important border fortress. The Baroque reconstruction of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries changed the appearance of the city. The old wooden houses were demolished, opulent palaces, monasteries and churches were built. The many trade fairs, the revenues from landed estates and the offerings of the many craft workshops greatly contributed to the wealth of the city. Affluent aristocratic families, royal officials, church dignitaries and rich traders from the whole of Europe moved into the city. Schools and hospitals were opened, and the manners of European capitals were adopted. The city outgrew its medieval borders and spread to the lowlands. The first parks and country houses were built. Zagreb confirmed its position as the administrative, cultural and economic centre of Croatia.
When Kaptol, Gradec and the surrounding settlements were administratively combined into the integrated city of Zagreb in 1850, the development accelerated still more. The disastrous earthquake of 1880 sparked off the reconstruction and modernization of many shabby neighbourhoods and buildings. Prestigious public buildings were erected, parks and fountains were made, and transportation and other infrastructures were organized.
In the 19th century the population increased tenfold. The twentieth century brought the Secession style to Zagreb. The city lived in the plenty of a civil society, with firm links with all the central European centres. With an increase in wealth and industry from the 1960s on, the city spread out over the wide plains alongside the Sava River, where a new, contemporary business city has develop.

Overview of Important Historical Events
ca 600 AD
Decline of the ancient Roman settlement of Scitarjevo (Andautonia). Arrival of the Croats. The earliest evidence of their existence in this area are the graves on Visoki Brijeg in Velika Gorica.
879.
Decline of the ancient Roman settlement of Scitarjevo (Andautonia). Arrival of the Croats. The earliest evidence of their existence in this area are the graves on Visoki Brijeg in Velika Gorica.
1094.
The Hungarian King Ladislas establishes the Zagreb Diocese.
1134.
Issue of Felicianus' Charter mentioning the founder of the Diocese, King Ladislas, the first bishop of, Zagreb Bishop Duh, and the other clergy.
1217.
Finishing and consecration of the principal church cathedral, largely destroyed in 1242 by the Tatars.
1242.
The Croatian-Hungarian King Bela IV grants the Golden Bull to Gradec, as a token of appreciation for the citizens who provided him shelter during the Tatarian invasion.
1355.
Mention of the first pharmacy in Zagreb.
1557.
Another threat to the city - Turkish invasions. The first mention of Zagreb as the capital of Croatia.
1607.
Foundation of the Jesuit gymnasium with six forums.
1624.
A great fire caused by a thunderbolt catches the wooden roof of the principal church. Great fires were quite frequent before the use of bricks as building material.
1664.
Foundation of the first printing house by the Jesuits.
1669.
The Croatian-Hungarian King Leopold I grants the right to the Royal Academy to be transformed into a university.
1767.
The Royal Council designates Varaždin as its temporary seat.
1771.
The first weekly in Latin published in Zagreb - Ephemerides Zagrebienses.
1776.
The government seat relocated from Varazdin to Zagreb.
1834.
The first permanent theatre in Zagreb opens on the southern side of St. Mark's Square.
1850.
Zagreb becomes a single administrative unit. The first major of the city is Josip Kamauf, former magistrate of Gradec.
1862.
Opening of the first railway line, Zidani Most-Zagreb-Sisak.
1880.
A severe earthquake strikes the area of Zagreb.
1891.
The first horse-drawn tram in the streets of Zagreb. First electric driven tram was in service in 1905.
1896.
The first film projection in Zagreb.
1901.
The first automobile on the streets of Zagreb.
1909.
The first trade exhibition - Economic Convention ("Gospodarski zbor").
1926.
The first radio station starts broadcasting (also the first in this part of Europe).
1956.
The first broadcast of Zagreb television.
1957.
Construction of new housing blocks starts on the southern bank of the Sava river.
1964.
A raging flood strikes Zagreb in the night between October 24 and 25. In the most difficult flood ever, several thousand homes are badly damaged.
1979.
Tram lines cross the Sava river.
1987.
The University Games take place in Zagreb.
1990.
The first session of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) after the first free, democratic, multi-party elections take place on May 30.

Gastronomy
Croatian cuisine is the unique representative of the harmony of interesting and tasty, often seemingly incompatible contradictions. The richness and generosity at Zagreb tables, full of tasty dishes and supporting drinks are recorded in many cookbooks. The first cookbook dates from the 19th century, written by Marija Kumičić. She based her cookbook on the middle class models of the time, Katarina Prato and Sint-Hylaire but did not forget domestic, national dishes.

Zagreb cuisine is the combination of rich heritage reflecting the troubled history. Citizens of Zagreb were always attentive to what they ate. In the medieval Gradec there were already 90 craftsmen related to food. It is worth mentioning that Zagreb citizens like home-cooked dishes, generating numerous traditional gastronomy events with presentations and ratings in the town and its vicinity. Surveys show that citizens of Zagreb are great admirers of Mediterranean cuisine, probably due to undoubtedly better food selection, than Dalmatians. Modern Zagreb cuisine and diet habits of its citizens are at the Croatian top from the nutritionists point of view.

Dining
At a party, business lunch or some moment when you just slip out by yourself... you will find a rich offering of places to eat and sometimes gastronomical surprises. Zagreb offers hundreds of tastes at the table...
In the city centre or surrounding excursion places, with pleasant sounds of the recognizable "tamburica" or piano... according to situation and taste, depending on the mood or time of day, you can choose an ambient and menu. One thing will remain the same: recognizable national dishes.
Cream and cheese strukli, turkey with mlinci, Dalmatian pasticada, kulen... or the Mediterranean specialties that come to you directly from the Adriatic sea... forget genetic engineering here and taste again that real taste of home grown food. Everyone will find his favourite restaurant, to which he will return with pleasure and where he will always be welcomed...

Tipping
It is customary in Zagreb to give tips in restaurants and similar services (to tourist, museum and other guides). The tipping ranges between 5 and 10 percent of the service amount. The prices in stores and shops are fixed and tipping is not customary. In the restaurants there are menus in several languages, and the waiters (staff) know the basic profession vocabulary in foreign languages, most often in English and German.

Concert Halls

There are many interesting events in Zagreb during the whole year. Theatre and concert season in Zagreb actually does not finish. During summer, Zagreb citizens and visitors could go to the Upper Town and listen to the concerts from the cycle Evening on Grič. The concerts are held either in the atrium of the Museum Gallery at the Jesuit square or in St. Catherine's church or in St. Mark's Church. Or they could opt for the concerts in the Zagreb cathedral named The Organs of the Zagreb cathedral During winter, Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall attracts you by its programme.
In traditional playing two unavoidable companies are notable: the Zagreb Philharmonic, the orchestra of the international reputation and the Zagreb Quartet, the oldest Croatian chamber ensemble, takes the priceless credit for promotion of Croatian chamber music in the world. They also contributed to the development of musical life in Zagreb.

Night Life
During winter everything is indoor but in summer Zagreb shows its Mediterranean spirit and atmosphere. At night particular streets or parts of the town, full of cafes overcrowded with guests looking for fun and amusement. Those who like to challenge their luck could run some risk in the casinos within the notable Zagreb hotels or some other casino. Zagreb coffee houses and their more modern versions, cafes, undoubtedly give to town some additional charm. Socializing and lingering over a cup of coffee in a coffee house has really a long tradition in Zagreb. Many like to go to several newly arranged coffee houses at the Ban Jelačić Square, while younger generations prefer cafes. Guests preferring music could relax in some of the numerous Zagreb discos or clubs, of which some are extremely popular. There are also jazz or swing clubs with rich programme or some candle lit restaurant with rhythm of waltz, tango, rumba or samba.

One of the great passions of Zagreb people is taking part in and following sports and sporting events. Many Zagreb sports people and coaches enjoy world reputations thanks to the many medals that have kept on being won at the Olympic Games and various world championships. Zagreb often finds itself the host to the great sporting events and championships thanks to its high quality sporting infrastructure. The most important meets held here to date have been the University Games of 1987 and the Military Games of 1999.

Audi FIS Ski World Cup Vip Snow Queen Trophy 2014
4. 1. 2014.
Ladies' slalom + Zagreb Ski Legends race
www.vipsnowqueentrophy.com
Sljeme Ski Resort

Jarun Sports and Recreation Centre

In the southwest part of Zagreb, not far from Sava dike, there is a spacious recreational and sports centre Jarun - an oasis of peace and nature surrounded by crowds and noise. The former channel of the Sava River was arranged for the University Games in 1987, when the lake and the whole complex was given its present appearance.

Sports park Mladost

Sports park Mladost is near the dike by the Sava river. The crucial object in the whole park is the Swimming and waterpolo centre. There are indoor and outdoor Olympic size swimming pools (25x50 meters), several smaller pools, children's pool, sun bathing space and other facilities.