Wanna Ride the Funicular?

We rode the funicular, a tram that runs up a steep hill, connecting the lower part of Zagreb(Donji Grad - Jelacic Square) with the upper part of Zagreb (Gronji Grad - comprised of Gradec and Kaptol). It dates back to the 19th century, lasted a whopping 55 seconds, and was a great way to avoid some steep stairs.

We also visited the market (dolac), this time when it was running in full force. We caught it yesterday just as it was closing at 2 PM. We honestly think that a majority of Zagrebians only work from 9 AM until 2 PM. As soon as 2 PM hits, the outdoor cafes really get crowded, as people enjoy each other's company with an after-work beverage and beautiful 70ish degree weather (no humidity either!)

The main thoroughfares in Zagreb are not navigable by car (though electric trams are utilized heavily) and are often filled with outdoor cafes. Very rarely is there a restaurant without outdoor seating on the main drag. For as many people that there are in Zagreb (780,000), it sure seems peaceful.

We walked through Stone Gate, Gradec's only surviving town gate. It was literally an arched walkway through the street. Inside was a painting of Mary that miraculously survived a major fire in the adjoining house in 1731. They used this painting as a focal point when they decided to turn this town gate into a chapel. When people walk through, they light candles to symbolize their prayers, and place them in a big silver bin to burn. When their prayers are answered, many purchase an enscribed brick to give thanks. These bricks line the walkway with many saying 'Hvala' which means 'thank you' in Croatian.

A majority of Croatians are Catholic, so churches are an important part of their culture. We saw two beautiful churches today during our explorations. This is a fountain located outside of what the locals call the Cathedral. The full name of the cathedral is 'The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saintly Kings Stephen and Ladislav.' With a name that long, no wonder why it's just referred to as the Cathedral!

Inside of the Cathedral. It was quite crowded with people praying. It appeared as though it was commonplace for people to just walk in for a short time, say a prayer, and be on with their day. The church was very intricately detailed with many beautiful artifacts. We did not want to disturb those who were praying so we took just a few pics without a flash. This was one of the better ones.

This is the Church of St. Mark's. The original church is from the 13th century. The colorfully tiled roof is from 1880 and shows 2 coats of arms. The left is for North Central Croatia and the right is the seal of Zagreb. This was located in St. Mark's Square, which also happened to house the Parliament and the offices for the Prime Minister. We timed it perfectly and were able to see 'someone' as they were being escorted into one of these buildings. (We think the Prime Minister based on the paparazzi and news crews outside unless they just heard that we were coming ;) )