Ban Jelačić Square
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Ban Jelačić Square is the central square of the city of Zagreb, Croatia, named after ban Josip Jelačić.
It is located below Zagreb's Upper Town and directly south of the old Dolac market on the intersection of Ilica from the east, Radićeva Street from the northwest, the small streets Splavnica and Harmica from the north, Bakačeva Street from the northeast, Jurišićeva Street from the east, Praška Street from the southeast and Gajeva Street from the southwest. It is the center of the Zagreb Downtown pedestrian zone.
[edit] History
The square has existed since the 17th century. It features buildings belonging to different architectural styles ranging from classicism, secession and modernism. The oldest standing building is situated at 18 Ban Jelačić Square. It was built in 1827.
The square features a large statue of Ban Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn. The statue was originally installed on October 19, 1866 by the Austrian authorities, despite protests from Zagreb councilmen. It was oriented towards the north at the time.
The statue was removed in 1947 as the new Communist government of Yugoslavia denounced Jelačić as an Austrian collaborator. The statue was not destroyed because Antun Bauer, the custodian of the Gliptoteka gallery, kept it hidden in the cellar of the gallery.
In 1990, the statue was reinstated after Croatia regained independence and Jelačić's historic role was reevaluated. When the statue was first reinstated it faced North. It was later (in 1992 or 1993) re-orientated to its current south facing position.
Local urban legend says the monument always faces the enemies of Croatia, with the Ban's sword ready for action, but this is unsubstantiated.
[edit] Modern square
Jelačić Square is the most common meeting place for people in Zagreb. Being a part of the pedestrian zone, it is inaccessible by car, but it is the main hub for trams. ZET tram lines 1, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 traverse it by day, and 31, 32 and 34 by night.
Many of the buildings on the square have antique façades which require renovation. This makes them a common target for advertisers, who cover the construction work with large posters.
The square features the Manduševac fountain located in its eastern part.
[edit] Views of Ban Jelačić square
 Ban Jelačić statue |
 Square from the left |
 Ban Jelačić statue |
 View over square from the upper left corner |
 View from Gajeva Street |
 Ban Jelačić square |
 View over center of the square |
 Photo taken from the Manduševac fountain |
 Night view over square |
 Skyscraper Neboder recently renovated |
