The name Medvednica is mentioned for the first time in 1242 in the Golden Bull by Bela IV under the name Medwenicha, by which Zagreb was granted an estate in the mountain. The name Zagreb 's mountain is in use since 19 th century in the age of absolutism when mountains used to be named after towns and places, which at the same time marked the forest in town's property.

Human settlements existed on Medvednica since prehistoric times, which are witnessed by rich paleontology findings from older and younger Stone Age in Veternica and Vidovec (Stone Age and Bronze Age tools, fireplaces, and graves), Marija Bistrica and Kralj's peak.

Antique stone findings in Vrapče, and highway trails that passed by border areas in Kašina are indicators of Roman settlement.

In the middle ages historical happenings around Medvednica are connected to Medvedgrad and Susedgrad, and a castle in Gornja Stubica, as well as to urban core of today's Zagreb : Gradec and Kaptol. Villages at the foot of the hill are for the first time mentioned in 13 th century: 1201 Čučerje; 1209 Donja Stubica, Stubičke Toplice, Marija Bistrica and Bistra; 1217 Vrapče and Granešina; 1242 Mikulići; 1287 Podsused; 1317 Markuševac and Gračani; 1321 Vidovec; 1326 Bidrovec; 1342 Stenjevec.

From baroque and classicism remaining are feudal seats and manors in Gornja Bistra, Jakovlje, Gornja Stubica, Šestine, Vugrovec.

Since ancient times on the area of Medvednica natural resources were used, for example rocks for construction of houses and firewood. Iron was melted since 13 th century which is witnesses by remainings of melting furnaces (Pustodol and Rudnica). There is a mining decree on salt excavation in Slani stream from 14 th century. In those days salt was used as a means of payment. Unknown data is that on Medvednica coal used to be excavated. In 18 th century near Gornja planina a coal mine was opened. In the area of Rudarski vrt (Miners' garden) in 16 th century silver was excavated, and in 18 th century it was excavated in French mines, as well.

The first groundwork for forest management on Medvednica dates in 1877.

On the streams of Medvednica existed many watermills, mills, and sawmills and on gentle slopes of Medvednica hills the inhabitants have always been farming, growing wine and fruits.

Old mill – watermill in Gračani on Ribnjak stream

From 19 th century Medvednica is used as a recreational area (1859 first gazebo; 1870 pyramid, first mountaineering object; 1875 first excursion to Sljeme; 1934 first ski – jump).

At the beginning of 20 th century, at elevation of 846 m, Brestovac sanatorium was constructed for treating workers with tuberculosis. In 1968, because of the new conditions in health service and new way of treating tuberculosis, the hospital was closed down and soon after that devastated.

Brestovac once and today

Since ancient times people felt gratitude and awe for the mountain. This is witnessed by many sacral objects, such as Roman altar from Bliznec, St. Jakob's chapel, Chapel of Mother of God Queen of Croats, etc.

There are 3 monuments of park's architecture in the Park, and they are located at the foot of the mountain: landscape gardens from 18 th century next to Oršić castle in Gornja Bistra, landscape gardens from 19 th century next to Golubovec castle in Donja Stubica, and a garden from 19 th century next to Junković manor near Stenjevec.