Zagreb is a city with many markets, from which the most popular and visited is Ban Jelacic Square. At first is was named Madusevac, after the spring where the fountain is now and later was called Harmica.
The square represents the heart of Zagreb and the main meeting point for local people. The famous squares are also Mark's Square with the parish church, Nikola Subic Zrinski Square, King Tomislav Square, Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, Marshal Tito Square and other. Strossmayer Square is spread across the area near the Academy. It used to be called Academy Square, since the building of Academy is located right in the market place. Its construction and appearance were determined by the Academy Palace and Chemical Laboratory in 1882. In 1926, a monument of Josip Juraj Strossmayer was erected on the square, which is the work of sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, and two years later the square was renamed. In addition to the monument of the founder of the Academy, there are several smaller monuments in the area. On the east side is the statue of August Senoa, the work of Rudolf Valdec and on the west side is the statue of the poet Dragotin Domjanic. Behind the Chemistry Laboratory stands the monument of sculptor Frane Krsinic, which was erected in memory of the victims of the national liberation struggle.
At the edge of Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square is located the first hotel in Zagreb. It has rooms in the Secession Palace from the year 1891. It was opened in the early 20th century and still operates today.