Unofficial cultural capital

Unofficial cultural capital

Roots: Zagreb’s history is evident in its statues and buildings

Before Croatia gained independence in 1991, Zagreb was regarded as Yugoslavia’s unofficial cultural capital and this is evident in the city’s many galleries, and architecture.

Getting there: Zagreb is served daily by Croatia Airlines from Heathrow and British Airways from Gatwick.

Getting around: Pleso Airport, 10 miles southeast of the city, is served by an hourly bus service. An extensive bus and tram network operates within Zagreb.

Sightseeing: the medieval Upper Town, reached by a funicular railway, includes the cathedral which dates back to 1217, St Mark’s Church with its painted tile roof, and the 13th-century Stone Gate. An unusual attraction is the Mirogoj Cemetery, described in a Zagreb Tourist Board brochure as “one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe”.

Dining: the many outstanding restaurants include Kaptolska Klet and Lopud. Eating out is inexpensive: a meal for two with a bottle of good wine leaves change from £20.

Accommodation: top hotels include the Esplanade – built in 1925 and used by passengers on the Orient Express – the Inter-Continental and Sheraton. The Panorama, Laguna, International and Dubrovnik are leading three-star hotels.

Sample product: a three-night bed-and-breakfast break staying at the Dubrovnik hotel and including flights leads in at £391 per person booked through Travelscene.