Manuel Salazar, Ambassador of Spain to the Republic of Croatia
Five Stars Zagreb Issue 30 — September 15, 2009.

Visitors from all over the world are arriving in increasing numbers to Croatia and to Zagreb. Among them we can see today a big number of Spanish citizens, strolling along the streets and “trgs” of the city of Zagreb, visiting its monuments and museums, parks and avenues or just doing as many Croats do when they take a break by sitting down and having a cup of coffee at one of the various cafes of the city.

Croatia and its capital city, Zagreb, have become in the past few years one of the main destinations for Spanish visitors. I think they are right as Zagreb is a city that deserves visiting, full of history, beautiful variety of architecture styles, cultural life, busy pedestrian streets, and green areas.

Zagreb is a city of opportunities, where every day you can discover a new spot, talk to its people and enjoy. Walking in the city one easily remarks that people here are friendly and warm. Talking to them one easily feels how committed and concerned they are about every day life in the city, and about the future of their city and of their country.

Probably what impress me more about Zagreb, other than its citizens, is the big parks and green areas as well as the forest areas coming in to the city centre. The slopes of the Sljeme, covered with forest, the green hills and valleys that reach the Gornji Grad are unique.

In this respect I considered myself privileged to live in such a nice and warm city, full of history that is well shown in the layout of the urban development, in its buildings but especially in the character of its citizens.

People in Zagreb have helped us to understand politics, economics and social habits of Croatia. Like any other capital city, Zagreb provides the best show case of the Croat national character. Here we have met people from all over the country, increasing our willingness to travel throughout Croatia and to learn more about it.

People here say that Zagreb’s character lies at its squares or trgs as they are known locally. Big or small, they are numerous across the city, usually crowded as are the pedestrian areas and streets in the city centre. Croats like to socialize and one way of doing so is by sitting at cafes. On Saturdays and Sundays, on working holidays, they are full with people.

For a medium sized city, Zagreb has its fair share of museums, galleries and theatres. There is a very active cultural life going on, that we try to enjoy as much as possible, mainly attending and participating in cultural events, also contributing with the Cultural Program of the Embassy of Spain to its enhancement.

In recent years, many buildings in the city, particularly those in the historical quarters and downtown Zagreb, have gone through a façade or full restoration that has notably improved the perception of any visitor to the city. Once the restoration program is completed the city and its monuments, the beautiful buildings located all over, will show in all its splendour. Zagreb has an important and rich architectural heritage that needs to be protected and restore. I am thinking not only of the big monumental ones but also about the Art Nouveau or Secession style buildings, which the city has in a very important number. I hope that the Zagreb authorities will keep on with this program that should only contribute to the embellishment of the city.

Being myself a sports fan, I highly appreciate the possibilities offered by Zagreb in this field. I always try to attend the main sport events and I am deeply impressed by the way Croats enjoy, support and participate in any such occasion.

Compared to some other big European capitals, Zagreb could be considered as not having an important traffic problem. Unfortunately, for me this is still a pending problem as it has to be put in relation with the size and layout of the city and the total number of cars circulating.

I wish the best for Zagreb and its citizens. While preserving its identity I am sure that they will also open up to new ideas and continue to attract foreign visitors that will play a very important role in spreading around the world the beauty of Zagreb and the quality of its citizens.