Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, located in the northwest region of the country. The history of Zagreb dates back to Roman times, when the area was first settled. In the High Middle Ages, what is now known as Zagreb was divided into two separate settlements: Kaptol, where the clergy resided, and Gradec, a bourgeois settlement. These two nuclei were rivals, but later joined together to form the present-day city of Zagreb.The first official mention of Zagreb dates back to 1094 when King Ladislaus founded the Diocese of Zagreb and ordered the construction of a cathedral. In 1242, King Béla IV granted Gradec the status of a "free royal city," giving its inhabitants certain privileges and rights.Throughout the centuries, Zagreb grew and developed its economic and cultural significance. In the 17th century, the city was severely damaged by an earthquake but was quickly rebuilt. During the 19th century, Zagreb became a center of the Croatian national revival and South Slavic culture.During the Yugoslav period (1945-1991), Zagreb experienced significant urban and industrial development, becoming one of the most modern cities in the region. Croatia's independence in 1991 marked a new chapter in Zagreb's history, solidifying its status as the capital of the independent republic.Today, Zagreb is a vibrant metropolis that blends the old and the modern, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and a rich cultural offering, making the city an attractive destination for both tourists and locals.
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