PHOTOS: New look for Zagreb’s Stara Vlaška unveiled

Stara Vlaška makeover (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Two years ago, after becoming a pedestrian zone with a temporary urban-architectural solution, Stara Vlaška Street in the Croatian capital Zagreb will soon shine in a new, permanent design. 

Deputy Mayor of Zagreb Luka Korlaet, along with the president and a member of the judging panel, Ivana Tutek and Alan Kostrenčić, presented the results of the competition for the conceptual urban-architectural design of Stara Vlaška, which is located in the centre not far from Ban Jelačić Square.

Out of 23 submissions, including 5 awarded ones, Studio Atmosfera clinched the first prize, proposing a lasting redesign of Stara Vlaška Street, which will unveil its new look in spring 2025.

Studio Atmosfera crafted a solution that blends aesthetic values with functionality while respecting the location and surroundings, the City Administration said.

Stara Vlaška redesign (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

“In our tenure, we’ve transformed Stara Vlaška, also known as ‘Little Martićeva’ and ‘Masarykova,’ into pedestrian zones. Their conversion was marked by temporary solutions, but we’ve announced a genuine permanent transformation. Now, it’s happening with Stara Vlaška,” stated the deputy. 

Stara Vlaška redesign (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

He also mentioned that starting this week, Jarun has become a car-free oasis. He highlighted the expansion of the ZET fleet, the Eastern Bicycle Route, and Greenway as key priorities of this City Administration. 

“The development of pedestrian zones, cycling infrastructure, the expansion of public garage systems, and public transportation have garnered significant recognition from the European Commission, resulting in a nomination for the city with the greatest strides in public transportation infrastructure and sustainable mobility,” Deputy Korlaet concluded.

Stara Vlaška derives its name from the medieval Croatian term for Italians, “Vlahi” (Lacchi). According to sources from the Middle Ages, Italian merchants settled there. 

Stara Vlaška redesign (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The settlement obtained the status of an episcopal settlement in the 13th century, while a century later, canons began to settle the tenants of the chapter there. Vlaška was once also known as Bečka cesta (Vienna Street). 

There are also considerations for further expanding pedestrian zones in Zagreb’s city centre.