Zagreb

Capital of CroatiaZagreb spreads along the Sava River in the north of Croatia, on the southern slopes of Medvednica mountain, near the border with Slovenia.

Why it's the capital

The city grew from two neighbouring settlements on separate hills: Kaptol, home to clergy and the cathedral, and Gradec, home to craftsmen and merchants. Zagreb became the Croatian capital in 1557, and after independence in 1991 Parliament proclaimed it the capital of the Republic of Croatia.

Fun facts

One legend links the name to a thirsty governor who told a girl named Manda, "Zagrabi, Mando" ("Scoop, Manda"), asking her to scoop water from the Manduševac well.
Since 1 January 1877 the Grič cannon has been fired every day from the Lotrščak Tower to mark midday.
In 1242 Gradec received the Golden Bull, a document that freed its citizens from county rule.

Finding it on the globe

Zagreb is inland in the north of Croatia, not on the Adriatic coast. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is only about 120 km to the west.

Sources: Wikipedia: Zagreb