Črnomerec

Črnomerec is a city district positioned on the west end of historic Zagreb and covering the urban part along Ilica Street west from Republike Austrije Street, and residential quarters on the slopes of Medvednica mountain. First mentioned in the 14th century as the biggest village near Zagreb, it was meant to serve as industrial and army part of the city. Many factories and army barracks were built there, together with suburban housing. The whole area is hilly, enriched with forests and streams Kustošak, Veliki potok (Črnomerec), Kuniščak and Jelenovac. The most populated is the southern part of the neighborhood which is completely urbanized and forms a part of Zagreb’s wider center. In the northern part traces of the traditional rural way of life can still be found. Črnomerec city district incorporates old urbanized villages of Vrhovec, Jelenovac, Kustošija, Fraterščica, Čukovići, Sveti Duh, Šestinski dol, Lukšić, Mikulići and Bijenik.

ART AND CULTURE

The most valuable jewel of Črnomerec’s past is Medvedgrad fortress above Lukšić, together with the well-preserved structures of defense tower, a unique Romanesque-Gothic Chapel of St Philip and James, Gothic palace and a freshwater well that made the life in the fortress possible. In Mikulići you can admire a romanticized temple-style summer resort whose main theme is a wine cellar – Villa Pongratz. It was renewed in 2008 and today is a home to the Croatian Peasant Singing Society Sljeme and a kindergarten. Near the Sisters of Charity Hospital in Vinogradska Street is the Chapel of Sacred Heart, built in 1896 and in Sveti Duh Street, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua with its three bells and monastery invokes believers for prayer. As mentioned before, many still standing army barracks were built in Črnomerec area. Most of them got another function as factories, schools or ministries and the most famous of them, Rudolph’s Barracks built in 1888, today stands under protection as monument of architecture. In Vrhovec Street you can see works of one of the most influential Croatian artists of the 1950s and 1960s donated by Vjenceslav Richter and Nada Kareš Richter to the city of Zagreb. Going south on Ilica Street is Theater Exit, an independent theater that primarily deals with essential social topics inviting you to think about life questions that you can contemplate for a long time after the lights go down.

RECREATION AND LEISURE TIME

Črnomerec has wonderful parks unfairly neglected by most citizens of Zagreb, such as Grmoščica in Kustošija or secret garden between Prešernova, Cankarova and Prilaz baruna Filipovića streets. Just try wandering around the buildings and in a moment you will find yourself in an unreal, large-scale garden with lawn, trees, tables and benches. Most popular green spot is the forest park Jelenovac, covering almost 50 hectares of space, charms with oak, beech and acacia trees. Featuring walking tracks and a number of parking spots in the vicinity, this forest is great for a family picnic. In Kustošija you can ride horses in equestrian association Fala which promotes recreational riding and horse therapy as a primary method of recreation and rehabilitation. There are also lots of yoga, aikido, wrestling, pilates, dance and karate clubs throughout Črnomerec area.

LIFESTYLE AND GASTRONOMY

Črnomerec neighborhood is a place one can stop in time and just observe big masses commuting at West terminal. It is a place where you can feel the urban chic at southern part and take a contemplative silent walk in the northern part. Designed as an industrial part of the city, many important Croatian factories have started and grown from here: Kamensko textile industry, Ciglana Zagreb brick factory, Franck coffee and snack industry, Pliva pharmaceutical industry, Zagrebačka pivovara brewery. Croatian Ministry of  Construction and Physical planning has a seat in Črnomerec. It is a home to Faculty of textile technology, Croatian military academy, Croatian Catholic University, International elementary school and a number of domestic elementary and high schools. Črnomerec offers many restaurants and bars to relax in. Homemade burgers and barbecue are a must in Paulaner Grill bar. For great Istrian and continental Croatian cuisine, with an influence of all gastronomic traditions in the area try visiting Tač restaurant. Pizza at Lorca will enchant you and afterwards grab a beer at Pivana, listen to a domestic band playing or go to Lauba – a multipurpose artistic place where one can see a great exhibition, fashion show or dance all night.