Once considered a hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar is becoming recognized by more and more travelers. And how could it not be? Surrounded by untouched nature and stunning national parks, indented archipelago with hundreds of islands, thousands of years old town and remarkable culture place Zadar among the very best in Europe.
One of the world’s most popular travel guides, Lonely Planet, listed the city of Zadar on its “Top 10 cities to visit in 2019”. Moreover, in 2016 Zadar was elected as “The best European destination 2016” by voting conducted on website European Best Destinations.
With so much to see and do, from ancient monuments and streets to unique modern installations – it’s hard to pick the best, therefore we offer you the list of the most visited attractions in Zadar.
1. Sea Organ
Popular Sea Organ is a stairway that stretches 75 m along the Zadar waterfront. The installation is like a musical instrument that creates unusual melody using only the power of sea waves. Underneath those huge marble steps are placed 35 pipes of various lengths and diameters through which waves push air that, at the end, creates unique sound. It is a popular spot for people that come to chill and linger while listening unique melody played by the sea.
Google maps location: click here
2. Greeting to the Sun
Greeting to the Sun is a modern installation, made in 2005. It is a circle of a diameter of 22 meters with mutli-layer glass solar panels that collect the energy of the sun and transform it into the electricity. After the sunset the installation performs light show with effects in various colors. The best time to visit Greeting to the Sun is right before the sunset so you can watch famous Zadar’s sunset and afterwards the installation transforming from a solar panel to a display with funky light show.
Google maps location: click here
3. St. Donatus church
The Church of St. Donatus is dating back to the 9th century. Its name refers to Donatus of Zadar, a bishop and celebrated Zadar’s saint who began the construction of the church. It stands out by its monumental size and specific cylindrical shape. This church is a symbol of the city of Zadar so don’t forget to take spectacular photos in front of it.
Google maps location: click here
4. Roman Forum
Roman Forum in Zadar was built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD and commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Augustus. The Forum was the center of the public life with various shops, temple and basilica for public gatherings. Today only have been preserved decorative elements, the original pavement and stairs in its original place.
Google maps location: click here
5. Zadar cathedral
Cathedral in Zadar is the largest church in all of Dalmatia (the coastal region of Croatia). The church’s origins date back to an Early Christian basilica built in the 4th and 5th century. While much of its present day appearance was shaped in a Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries. You can enter the church for free to experience this quiet sacral place and to admire its valuable sacral art.
Google maps location: click here
6. People’s square
People’s square is the centre of urban life in the city of Zadar. In Medieval period it was called Platea Magna. The City Guard with a clock-tower is dominating the square that is surrounded with other historical buildings. This is a perfect spot for all visitors that want to experience local’s lifestyle. Sit down and enjoy sipping delicious coffee that is being served on sunny terraces.
Google maps location: click here
7. Five wells square
Five wells square is actually a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated well crowns. It was constructed in 16th century to provide sufficient supplies of drinking water for citizens. You can climb the steps to enter beautiful park from which you can admire picturesque Foša port and the Land Gate.
Google maps location: click here
8. Land Gate
The land gate once was the main entrance to the city. The gate was built in 16th century at the time of a great danger from the Ottoman conquest of the city. At that time, Zadar was the strongest Venetian fort in the entire country. The Land Gate along with defending walls and fortifications is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Google maps location: click here
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