Zagreb 🇭🇷

HOW ZAGREB GOT ITS NAME

According to legend, the whole Zagreb area was suffering from drought. To give people and animals something to drink, an old Croatian duke plunged his sword into dry earth and saw fresh water bubble up. He called out to his soldiers: “Zagrabite!” (“Scoop up!”) Then he repeated to the girl who stood close by: “Man-da dear, scoop up some water!” The spring, which still stands on the main square, got the name Mandusevac after the girl and Zagreb got its name after the scoop of water.

During renovation work (1876-
1882) initiated by architect Friedrich von Schmidt, St Mark’s Church was installed with glazed roof tiles. The design also included two coats of arms – the one on the left representing the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia, and the one on the right representing the city of Zagreb.
The Octagon, originally was part of the national bank.
Nikola Tesla’s statue is directly to the right of this photo. He is important to Zagreb because of his profound influence on science, technology, and Croatian heritage, even though Tesla himself never lived in the city. His importance to Zagreb can be understood through several key points:
Cultural and National Pride:
Tesla was born in Smiljan, which is now in modern-day Croatia. As a figure of global scientific significance, Tesla is a source of national pride for Croatia, including its capital, Zagreb. He is celebrated as one of the greatest inventors and engineers of all time.
Scientific Inspiration:
Tesla’s groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism, particularly in alternating current (AC) systems, has inspired generations of scientists and engineers in Zagreb and beyond. The city embraces his legacy as a symbol of innovation and progress.
Tesla’s Influence on Infrastructure:
Tesla’s work in electrical systems had a direct impact on urban electrification, including in Zagreb. His technologies made modern electricity grids possible, contributing to the city’s development.
Tributes and Memorials in Zagreb:
Tesla Street (Teslina ulica): A central street in Zagreb is named after him, emphasizing his importance to the city’s identity.
Tesla Statue: The city unveiled a statue of Tesla in 2006, reinforcing his status as a celebrated historical figure in Zagreb.
Tesla’s Name in Institutions: Various institutions, businesses, and cultural entities in Zagreb bear Tesla’s name, underlining his lasting legacy.
Tourism and Education:
Tesla’s name draws international attention, enhancing Zagreb’s cultural and historical significance. The association with Tesla encourages educational initiatives and events celebrating science and technology.
Tesla’s legacy symbolizes not only Croatia’s contribution to global innovation but also Zagreb’s role as a center of learning and cultural appreciation for such historical figures.
The world’s shortest and steepest funicular.
The Museum of Broken Relationships grew from a travelling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships and their ruins.
Unlike ‘destructive’ self-help instructions for recovery from grief and loss, the Museum offers the chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation: by contributing to the Museum’s collection
Whatever the motivation for donating personal belongings – be it sheer exhibitionism, therapeutic relief, or simple curiosity – people embraced the idea of exhibiting their emotional legacy as a sort of ritual, a solemn ceremony. Our societies acknowledge marriages, funerals, and even graduation farewells, but deny us any formal recognition of the demise of a elationship despite its strong emotional effect.
In the words of Roland Barthes in A Lover’s Discourse:
‘Every passion, ultimately, has its spectator… (there is) no amorous oblation without a final theatre.’