Zaprešić
Town in Zagreb County, Croatia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zaprešić (pronounced [zâːpreʃitɕ]) is a town in Hrvatsko zagorje, Zagreb County in Croatia. It has a population of 19,644 inhabitants in the town proper, with 25,223 in the administrative area.[8] The town's metropolitan area, which encompasses the seven neighbouring municipalities, has a population of 54,640.[9] Zaprešić is the third-largest, and most densely populated town of the county.[note 1] It is located northwest of the Croatian capital Zagreb, and near the Slovenian border. It is centered on plains north of the Sava River, and is bordered by Medvednica Mountain to the east, and the Marija Gorica Hills to the west.
Zaprešić | |
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Grad Zaprešić Town of Zaprešić | |
Top: A gothic chapel in Novi Dvori; Center left: High-rise buildings in city centre; Center right: Square of Pope John Paul II; Bottom left: Franjo Tuđman Square; Bottom right: Zaprešić coat of arms shaped garden in city centre | |
Coordinates: 45°51′26″N 15°48′18″E | |
Country | Croatia |
County | Zagreb |
Parish church | 1334 |
Municipality | 1952 |
Incorporated | 30 November 1995 |
Settlements[1] |
|
Government | |
• Type | Mayor-council |
• Mayor | Željko Turk (HDZ) |
• City Council | |
Area | |
• Town | 53.8 km2 (20.8 sq mi) |
• Urban | 19.0 km2 (7.3 sq mi) |
• Metro | 251.25 km2 (97.01 sq mi) |
Highest elevation | 130 m (430 ft) |
Population (2021)[6] | |
• Town | 24,133 |
• Density | 450/km2 (1,200/sq mi) |
• Urban | 18,768 |
• Urban density | 990/km2 (2,600/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Postal codes[7] | HR-10 290 |
Area code | +385 1 |
Vehicle registration | ZG |
Website | zapresic |
The first human settlement in, and near Zaprešić dates from the Neolithic, and several Roman roads were constructed in the area. Vicinity to transport corridors is also reflected in the meaning of the name (za, 'near or behind', prešće 'crossing'). The first records of the settlement date from 1474. (although, some authors claim that the church of Saint Peter in Zaprešić could have been mentioned in a document supposedly written in 1334). In the late medieval and early modern times, the village history includes being a part of a feudal estate Susedgrad, as well of being a part of Brdovec parish.
During the 19th century the town was operating the first meat packaging plant in Croatia. However, it was not formally established as a town until 1995. The town is governed by a mayor, a town government of seven members (upper house), and a town council of twenty one (lower house). Zaprešić has its own fire department, but police coverage is provided by the City of Zagreb. Komunalno poduzeće Zaprešić manages all utilities except electricity. Tap water in Zaprešić is of high quality.
Due to its many rail, and road transport corridors, Zaprešić has been dubbed the "northwestern gate to Zagreb County". It lies directly next to the A2 highway connecting Zagreb to Central Europe. It also is adjacent to the main railway leading northwest out of Zagreb. Centered on the tertiary sector, the town's economy is booming due to a large population influx.
Zaprešić's educational facilities range from kindergartens to centers of higher education. The town is home to four elementary schools, one high school, and two universities. The Zaprešić metropolitan area contains six castles that together make up what is known as the "palace path." The town also has a museum and an art gallery. The most popular sport in the region is football, and the local team was NK Inter Zaprešić, that used to be a member of the First Football League of Croatia. Other sports are also present in Zaprešić, and the town is home to a golf resort.