[9] The south side of the horseshoe lies next to the Zagreb Glavni kolodvor, the city's main railway station.The idea of a horseshoe-shaped system of connected parks in central Zagreb was first presented in 1882, as part of a plan to modernise Sajmište.[15][14] The two axes were connected in 1889 by the newly opened Zagreb Botanical Garden and the "Southern Parkway" (Croatian: Južni perivoj), today Ante Starčević Square.The Croatian National Theatre, located in the center of the square, was opened in 1895,[17] in time for Emperor Franz Joseph's visit.[18] In June 2013, a fitness park was opened in Grgur Ninski Street, between the Zagreb Botanical Garden and Esplanade Hotel.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on Ante Starčević Square
1865 map of downtown Zagreb. Future Zrinski Square is visible on the east, while Republic of Croatia Square is on the west side