Ban Jelacic Square in Zagreb is named after Josip Jelacic. Josip Jelacic was a nobleman of Croatia and an Austrian general, who united Croatia as an autonomous state of the Austro-Hungarian empire. 'Ban' was a title connoting 'duke' or 'vice-king'. In the then political set-up the vice-king had similar capacity to that of the present day's prime minister.
Ban Jelacic Square in Zagreb, covering an area of almost 10 square kilometers, is surrounded by imposing buildings built over the last 200 years. The main attraction of the square is a statue of Ban Josip Jelacic crafted by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn in 1866. In 1947, during Communist rule the statue of Ban Jelacic was removed and was supposed to have been destroyed. However, Dr. Antun Bauer, manager of Gliptoteka Art, saved it in his basement.
After 50 years, the statue was taken out in the early
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1990's when Croatia regained independence from Communist rule.
Zagreb Ban Jelacic Square is also famous for its Mahdusevac fountain which was constructed in the 17th century. This city square is well connected to Gric, Kaptol and Vlaska areas of Zagreb city. The first tram tracks crossing through Ban Jelacic Square was constructed in 1911. The famed Varteks department store was established in 1911 in this area.
Ben Jelacic Square is few hundred meters away from Tkalciceva, a road famous for its pubs. Dolac market, famous for fruits, vegetables, and fishes, is also very close to Ben Jelacic Square. The Zrinjevac Park, Umjetnicki Art Pavilion, Kralj Tomislav Square and railway station are all within the walking distance from this famous square in Zagreb.
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