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Park Maksimir, Zagreb
Maksimir Park stands as Zagreb's oldest public park, boasting a significant role in the city's cultural heritage while serving as a diverse ecosystem for various flora and fauna. Established in 1787, it holds the distinction of being the inaugural large public park in South-Eastern Europe, preceding the majority of Europe's public park establishments.
The park officially opened its gates in 1794, a project initiated in honor of Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb (1752–1827), after whom it was named. Originally situated on the city's outskirts, Maksimir Park is now enveloped by numerous residential neighborhoods.
In its earlier days, this verdant expanse was a densely wooded area, primarily consisting of hornbeams and oaks. A significant portion of the original forest still remains as a border encircling the park, covering an extensive area of over 1,005 acres.
The park boasts several expansive meadows, meandering creeks, and five picturesque lakes, all of which provide a thriving habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species. Notably, it serves as a sanctuary for the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), an endangered species in Europe. Additionally, the southern part of Maksimir Park houses Zagreb's Zoo.
Beyond its natural charm, the name Maksimir extends to one of Zagreb's neighborhoods and the home stadium of NK Dinamo, both of which are adjacent to the park's sprawling grounds.
Why You Should Visit:
Relaxing. Take a walk, rent a bike, enjoy a hidden gem in the middle of the city. The park is just a few minutes away from the main square by public transportation.
The park officially opened its gates in 1794, a project initiated in honor of Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb (1752–1827), after whom it was named. Originally situated on the city's outskirts, Maksimir Park is now enveloped by numerous residential neighborhoods.
In its earlier days, this verdant expanse was a densely wooded area, primarily consisting of hornbeams and oaks. A significant portion of the original forest still remains as a border encircling the park, covering an extensive area of over 1,005 acres.
The park boasts several expansive meadows, meandering creeks, and five picturesque lakes, all of which provide a thriving habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species. Notably, it serves as a sanctuary for the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), an endangered species in Europe. Additionally, the southern part of Maksimir Park houses Zagreb's Zoo.
Beyond its natural charm, the name Maksimir extends to one of Zagreb's neighborhoods and the home stadium of NK Dinamo, both of which are adjacent to the park's sprawling grounds.
Why You Should Visit:
Relaxing. Take a walk, rent a bike, enjoy a hidden gem in the middle of the city. The park is just a few minutes away from the main square by public transportation.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zagreb. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Park Maksimir on Map
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Sight Name: Park Maksimir
Sight Location: Zagreb, Croatia (See walking tours in Zagreb)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Zagreb, Croatia (See walking tours in Zagreb)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Zagreb, Croatia
Create Your Own Walk in Zagreb
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zagreb is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Upper Town Walking Tour
Andautonia was a Roman settlement near the location of today's Zagreb. Historical record attests to the name "Zagreb" in 1134, referring to the founding of the diocese of "Kaptol" by sainted King Ladislaus in 1094. Kaptol is the "Upper Town" of Zagreb. The "Lower Town" is "Gradec."
Upper Town centered around Zagreb Cathedral consecrated in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Upper Town centered around Zagreb Cathedral consecrated in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Lower Town Walking Tour
The Lower Town of Zagreb, also known as Donji Grad, is one of the two main districts in the historic heart of the Croatian capital, alongside the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). It is the more modern of the two and was built during the period of urban expansion, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Lower Town showcases a captivating tapestry of architectural splendor dominated by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Lower Town showcases a captivating tapestry of architectural splendor dominated by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles