Ban Jelačić Square

Ban Jelačić Square is the central square of the city of Zagreb, Croatia, named after ban Josip Jelačić. The official name is Trg Bana Jelačića. It is also known as "Jelačić plac" and simply "Trg" (The Sqaure).

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.

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 Josip Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn. The statue was originally installed on October 19, 1866 by Austrian authorities, despite protests from Zagreb councilmen. It was oriented towards the north, with his sword raised against Hungary, to commemorate his battle against Hungary in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.

The statue was removed in 1947 as the new Communist government of Yugoslavia denounced Jelačić as an Austrian collaborator. Antun Bauer, the curator of the Gliptoteka gallery, kept it in the gallery cellar. The square was renamed Trg Republike (Republic Square).

In the summer of 1987, the Universiade (World University Games) was held in Zagreb. The city used the event to renovate and revitalize the city. The sqaure was repaved with stone blocks and made part of the downtown pedestrian zone. A part of the Medveščak stream, which had been running under the sewers since 1898, was uncovered by workers. This part formed the Manduševac fountain that was also covered in 1898.

On October 11, 1990, during the break up of Yugoslavia and after 1990 elections in Croatia, and Jelačić's historic role was again honored and the statue was returned to the square but on the north portion facing the south.

A local urban legend claims the monument always faces the enemies of Croatia, with the ban's sword ready for action.

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.

Views of Ban Jelačić square

References