Ban Jelačić Square – Central focus of modern Zagreb

Central focus of modern Zagreb is Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Jelačića). Situated just below the hillside settlements of Kaptol and Gradec, it has served as the city’s commercial heart ever since 1641, when it was designated as a place where fairs could be held.

Most of the buildings around the square date from the 19th century, and display a variety of architectural styles, from Biedermaier to Art Nouveau and Post-modernism.

Ban Jelačić Square stands at the centre of Zagreb’s social life and the most popular meeting points are “under the clock” on the west side of the square, and “under the horse’s tail” –a reference to the equestrian statue of Ban Jelačić in the square’s centre.