Curiosities of Zagreb
Many times, we take for granted that things about our city, land or country are known, but it is not like that. Therefore, we want to publish certain curiosities that few people know.
1. In Zagreb there is the shortest funicular in the world
If you go to Zagreb you will have the possibility to get on the shortest funicular in the world, and curiously it is located on the longest street in the city, Ilica street. The funicular joins the Lower City and the Upper City with its 66 meters of tracks in just 55 seconds. It transported its first passengers in 1890 when it was powered by steam, which also makes it the oldest means of transport in Zagreb.
2. The tie is of Croatian origin
In the 17th century, the Croatian soldiers who served the French King during the Thirty Years’ War wore elegant scarves around their necks and this aroused the interest of the French who attached great importance to fashion. Since then it has been a complement known throughout the world as a symbol of elegance and widely used in the business world.
3. The pen was born in Zagreb
This important writing utensil is originally from the Croatian capital. The innovator and engineer Eduard Slavoljub Penkala in 1906 obtained the patent for the world’s first mechanical pencil, and in 1907 he formalized the patent for the world’s first pen with firm ink. Both the mechanical pencil and the pen were produced in Zagreb and exported to 70 countries around the world. Penkala also built the first Croatian aircraft in 1910.
4. Its inhabitants adjust the time of their clocks thanks to a cannon
In the 13th century, the Lotrščak Tower, the only one that has been preserved since then, marked dusk and invited the inhabitants of the city to return to their homes before the gates of the fortress were closed. Since the New Year of 1877, every day in memory of those times, the cannon of the Lotrščak Tower is fired at noon and the citizens adjust their clocks to this cannon shot.
5. Blue is the official colour of Zagreb
An example of this fact can be seen in all public transport in the city. The tram, the buses and the funicular are blue. The same colour are the kits of the Zagreb sports teams.
6. The tram is one of the symbols of the city
In 1891 the horse tram began to circulate in Zagreb, but since it was not very fast, in 1910 it was changed to the electric tram and in 1920 they were all painted blue. Today it is a recognized symbol of the city.
7. Zagreb is known as the city with the largest living room
This is how the Croatian capital is known, due to how comfortable it is both for its locals and for those who go sightseeing. When the good weather begins, people leave their houses and the most public places are crowded with people. Its streets, squares and terraces are the best place to walk, have a drink and meet people. A feeling of comfort that makes the visitor feel like a real local.
