Zagreb, capital of Croatia, is the country's economic centre and
gateway to Western Europe. The city is sited on the slopes of
Medvednica Mountain along the banks of the Sava River, in the
northern part of Croatia. The core of the city consists of the
preserved medieval city, known as Gradec and Kaptol, while the
residential area covers the southern slopes of the Medvednica
Mountains. Since the 1950s the city has grown appreciably to the
south of the Sava River, and the main industrial area is in the
southeast. Besides being a commercial hub Zagreb is a tourist
centre, and a popular international conference venue, with a
history dating back nearly a thousand years. It is rich in
historical monuments, museums and galleries, has modern shops,
restaurants, sport and recreation facilities and a good transport
infrastructure. Its attractions are largely historical, dating from
the Palaeolithic Veternica Cave, through Roman culture and the
fascinating medieval old town.