The square has existed since the 17th century.
Its first name was Harmica.
The oldest standing building, dating from the 18th century, is situated at 1 Ban Jelačić Square.

In 1848, the square was renamed to its present name.
A large statue of Ban Josip Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn was installed on 19 October 1866 by Austrian authorities, despite protests from Zagreb councilmen.
It also caused unease amongst Hungarians, who see Jelačić as a traitor.

A horsecar line passing through the square's southern side was introduced in 1891.
In 1910–11 horses were replaced by electric trams.

In 1946, the square was renamed to Trg Republike (Republic Square).
Jelačić's statue was removed in 1947 as the new Communist government of SFR Yugoslavia denounced him as a "servant of foreign interests".
Antun Bauer, a curator of the Gliptoteka gallery, kept it in the gallery cellar.

After World War II, car traffic through the square intensified.
In 1975, the square became a car-free zone.
The square has existed since the 17th century. Its first name was Harmica. The oldest standing building, dating from the 18th century, is situated at 1 Ban Jelačić Square.
In 1848, the square was renamed to its present name. A large statue of Ban Josip Jelačić on a horse, created by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn was installed on 19 October 1866 by Austrian authorities, despite protests from Zagreb councilmen. It also caused unease amongst Hungarians, who see Jelačić as a traitor.
A horsecar line passing through the square's southern side was introduced in 1891. In 1910–11 horses were replaced by electric trams.
In 1946, the square was renamed to Trg Republike (Republic Square). Jelačić's statue was removed in 1947 as the new Communist government of SFR Yugoslavia denounced him as a "servant of foreign interests". Antun Bauer, a curator of the Gliptoteka gallery, kept it in the gallery cellar.
After World War II, car traffic through the square intensified. In 1975, the square became a car-free zone.
Ban Jelačić Square