Maksimir Park

Maksimir is one of the earliest European parks developed according to the original 18th century design.

Maksimir is the biggest and most beautiful park in Zagreb. It holds a special significance for the citizens of Zagreb. In the past, they strolled around in crinolines, sporting the mandatory parasol. Today, they come in tracksuits and trainers. Both the fashions and generations change, but Maksimir has remained Zagreb’s most extensive area for public recreation.

When it was opened, it was the first public promenade in the region of south-east Europe as a whole. Thanks to its skilful combination of a park, forest and English-style gardens, it soon became the most popular destination to head for in town.

The city as we know it today was much more marginalised before 1892. Then the introduction of horse-drawn trams changed Zagreb almost overnight by reducing distances and bringing neighbourhoods together. From that moment on, the number of visitors to Maksimir Park began to spiral upwards.

Decades passed and the park kept on adding new features. The zoological gardens were opened in 1925. Wildlife was not only confined to cages. Even today, it is still a particular pleasure to walk along one of the five lakes and watch the swans and little row boats gliding nearby. At the time when winters were harsher and sports halls were still a thing of the future, the lakes served as Zagreb’s main skating rink. The park’s pavilions, gazebos and sculptures still contribute to its romantic atmosphere. There’s even a mock Swiss chalet and a belvedere with a café, crowded at weekends but ideal to visit during a quiet weekday.

Today Maksimir park is protected as a monument of landscape architecture and cultural and historical monument and a symbol of the City of Zagreb, its value as a monument of landscape architecture and protected cultural property is exceptional and worthy of attention. Maksimir Park is to Zagreb as the Bois de Boulogne to Paris, Tiergarten to Berlin or Regents Park to London.

Photos: Archives of Public institution "Maksimir"

Celebrities about Zagreb

Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona

I am sorry that I have not had the opportunity to stay longer and see a little more, but the Jarun Lake and clubs impressed me, has all the elements of good entertainment.

Source: Hotel Antunović Zagreb

Baka DJ, Ruth Flowers

Baka DJ, Ruth Flowers

Zagreb is beautiful, but the people thrilled me the most. Everybody is so kind and outgoing. I could not wish for better hosts.

Source: Hotel Antunović Zagreb

Chris Urbanowicz

Chris Urbanowicz

I remember our performance at INmusic festival. We can hardly wait to see our fans again. I expect it to be very exciting.

Source: www.tportal.hr

The Fratellis (Jon)

The Fratellis (Jon)

Thanks to everybody who came to see us at the INmusic Festival! We're delighted by the city and hope to see you again.

Source: INmusic festival

Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly

We're enjoying this Tuesday in Zagreb. We're heading onto the main stage of the INmusic Festival soon.

Source: INmusic festival

50Cent

50Cent

I was very looking forward to coming to Zagreb, especially because my mother travelled with me. My people found out everything about it, so that we could see the main stuff in the city!

Source: Hotel Antunović Zagreb

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg (actor) spent the autumn in Zagreb in 2007: Zagreb is an incredible town. I enjoyed sightseeing the old parts of the town, and at night I went to clubs. I was thrilled that it was near Austria and Italy, so I visited Venice, Milan, Ljubljana, Graz, Split... over the weekends.

Source: www.vjesnik.com

Wolfmother

Wolfmother

The location of the festival and Zagreb, where we spent a pleasant morning, are wonderful.

Source: INmusic festival

Courtney Thorne Smith

Courtney Thorne Smith

Thank you for one of the best hotel experience ever. The rooms were extraordinary, the staff was great, and every moment was beautiful. And Zagreb... magical! All the best!

Source: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

David Byrne

David Byrne

If we leave out the hills in one part of the town, Zagreb is a perfect town for cycling. vid Byrne (Talking Heads) on releasing his book Cycling Diaries

Source: www.mvinfo.hr