Zagreb’s oldest public park Maksimir to celebrate 225th anniversary with 3-day event

Maksimir Park (Photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

ZAGREB, 11 September 2019 – The oldest public park in the Croatian capital Zagreb, Maksimir Park, will celebrate its 225th anniversary with a three-day programme this weekend.

Maksimir Park was the first large public park in South-Eastern Europe and was opened in 1794 under the initiative of the man for whom it was named, Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb (1752–1827).

At that time, the park was located on the outskirts of the city, although today it is surrounded by many of the city’s neighbourhoods. It was formerly a dense forest of hornbeams and oaks. The remainder of the original forest survives as a girdle to the park, the area in total measuring above 1,005 acres (4.07 km²). Today it forms part of the city’s cultural heritage and is a habitat for many different plant and animal species.

Maksimir Park (Photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

This weekend, from 13-15 September, a three-day event will take place to mark the anniversary. The programme begins on Friday, September 13, when there will be a screening of a children’s film on the meadow near Vidikovac, and the awarding of medals and diplomas to the first students of the new educational programme of Maksimir Park called ‘The Little Maksimir Ranger.’

There will also be concerts throughout the three days, including Pianotron – the Floating Concert by Zvjezdan Ružić, who is a 5-time Porin winner. The concert will take place on Saturday,14 September at 8 pm on 2nd lake. Also on Saturday, there will be a an fun, educational performance on the main stage from 10 am. Kids can also enjoy an exercise session with Mario Mlinarić on the day. 

Maksimir (photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

On Sunday, 15 September, there will be guided tour through the Park where stories and legends will be told. An old ZET tram will ride on Saturday and Sunday towards Maksimir for people who want to come to on public transport.