A Tale of Two Cities
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city of contrasts. Its duality is apparent not only in the greater metropolitan area but also in the heart of the city. As you journey towards the city center, it feels as though you’re traveling back in time. The city’s outskirts boast the majority of the modern buildings. However, as you venture further inward, the brutalist apartment blocks yield to Gothic and Neo-Renaissance style edifices. At the city’s core, you find yourself at the crossroads of two distinct worlds - the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the bustling Lower Town (Donji Grad). This juxtaposition of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, is what makes Zagreb a truly fascinating destination.
Our group was repeatedly struck by the impeccable style of the locals. Everyone appeared as though they had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine, which aligns with their claim to fame of inventing the necktie, or the cravat. Mercenaries wore these ties around their necks, a style the French began calling ‘cravat’ in honor of the Croatians, and soon incorporated them into their own fashion.
We also observed that, unlike in the United States, people were frequently outdoors and interacting with one another. The outdoor spaces were well-manicured and inviting, encouraging you to spend time outside. With an abundance of parks, the botanical gardens, theaters, shopping centers, cafes, and museums, there’s a never-ending array of activities. We learned about renowned Croatian figures like Nikola Tesla, and contemporary celebrities like Baby Lasagna.
