Manduševac — Attraction in City of Zagreb

The Manduševac Fountain is a historic landmark located in Zagreb's main square, Ban Jelačić Square. It is a charming small fountain made of white stone with an ornate, circular basin and a central column. At the top of the column, you'll find a statue of a young woman holding a jug, which symbolizes the city's life-giving water source.

The fountain has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was originally constructed as a natural spring. Over time, it underwent several renovations, with the current design dating back to the 19th century. The Manduševac Fountain is not only a source of fresh drinking water but also holds a romantic legend. According to local folklore, if you drink from the fountain, you're destined to fall in love and return to Zagreb.

Today, the Manduševac Fountain remains a beloved symbol of Zagreb's historic center and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike. It stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and the enduring charm of its...

This fountain is one of Zagreb’s most recognizable symbols and is tied to a local legend about the origin of the city's name. Historically, there was a natural spring at this spot, serving as an important source of drinking water for the residents. According to legend, a weary warrior returning from battle stopped at the spring and asked a girl for water, saying: "Mando, dušo, zagrabi vode"—which means "Manda, dear, scoop up some water." The girl's name was Manda, and the word "zagrabiti" means "to scoop". From this phrase, the city’s name Zagreb is said to have been formed. While this is not linguistically accurate, it remains a beloved folktale. The fountain was covered during square renovations in 1898 but was restored in 1986 to its current form. Today, it’s not only a popular meeting place but also a spot where people...

The Manduševac Fountain was built above a natural spring that provided Zagreb with drinking water right up until the end of the 19th century.

There is also a legend connecting the spring with the name of the city. Namely, one sunny day an old Croatian war leader was returning from battle tired and thirsty, and asked a beautiful girl Manda to scoop up some water from the spring for him.

The Croatian word for “to scoop up water” is “zagrabiti”. So the spring got the name Manduševac, after the girl, and the town got the name Zagreb after the scoop of water.

A good meeting place for people today in the centre of the town, also gets fully decorated during Xmas n other festivals. Definitely a small place with big position in history of...