The city of Zagreb, capital of Croatia, on the historic and political threshold between East and West, illustrates both the continental and Mediterranean spirit of the nation it spearheads. Zagreb, with a population of nearly one million, is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative centre of the Republic of Croatia. It is a city with a rich history and a dynamic present, interesting architecture, an exceptional atmosphere, and unobtrusive hospitality.
Zagreb has a long history as a university centre. The city’s first secular public school was founded in the middle of the 14th century; the first gymnasium was founded in the early 16th century, followed by the university in the second half of the same century. The University of Zagreb was founded in 1669. and it is one of the oldest in Europe.
Zagreb is also known as a city of sports, the home of numerous top athletes, generations of which left their mark on the history of international sport and are continuing to do so today. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Zagreb and its sports halls, including the Arena Zagreb, which has become an architectural landmark of the city, have opened up to international and domestic sporting events and have made sports their top priority.