Zadar is a gorgeous city in Croatia. It is the second largest city in Dalmatia, and the fifth largest city in the country. Known for its exceptional history and rich cultural heritage, Zadar has so many beautiful monuments for you to discover. The city located in the centre of the East Adriatic is full of passion and spirit and this will underpin everything you do in your time here. There is a wealth of things to do whilst in Zadar, from sightseeing to learning about the city’s ancient history or even trying the authentic cuisine. You will certainly not be bored!
Get the most of your time here with these 17 things to do …
MUST-DO
Church of St. Donatus
The Church of St. Donatus is an important example of Byzantine architecture, and can be described as the face of Zadar (it is what you’ll see on all the postcards). The church dates back to the 9th-century and was named after Donatus of Zadar (the person who commissioned it). This church is the largest pre-romanesque building in Croatia. The rounded outline of the church is one that it is uniquely famed for. The church was built on the Roman Forum, and for that reason it’s floor has been removed to showcase the original stonework of the forum on the ground below.
The Church of St. Donatus has not been used for services for around 200 years. Instead it is now used for renaissance music performances as it has amazing sound reverberations.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was constructed between the first century BC and the third century AD, commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Augustus. This is the largest Roman forum east of the Adriatic and is one of Zabar’s most important landmarks. Once the centre of public life, the forum was devastated after a violent earthquake. Today only the original pavement and stairs remain, as well as two monumental columns. The Roman Forum is brought to life by the sounds of the Musical Nights Festival. This classical music festival runs from July to August each year.
Note: If you plan your visit to the Roman Forum for nightfall, you will catch it when the ruins are lit up.
Zadar Cathedral
Zadar Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. You will find a mixture of architectural styles at this cathedral as construction initially began with the Byzantines back in the 9th century, then was rebuilt in a Romanesque style several centuries later. The cathedral is the largest church in the whole region. It bears an interesting façade, which is richly decorated and has a three-nave interior. Today the cathedral is open mainly for worship, rather than for tours. But you can still go and look around whilst there is no service going on.
Climb the steep steps to the bell tower to be rewarded with a stunning view across the city.
The Sea Organ
The Sea Organ is a top art installation in the whole of Croatia. Installed on the seafront back in 2005, the imaginative piece was devised by architect Nikola Bašić. It was created to generate tunes out of the incoming and outgoing waves. Hence the fascinating device is basically a giant musical instrument played by the action of the waves. There are a series of underwater tubes which are set beneath marble steps that descend into the water, a different tone is created by each tube.
The sea organ was the first of its kind in the world, and it is definitely worth visiting whilst you’re in Zadar!
City Walls and Gates
Exploring Zadar’s magnificent old city walls and gates is imperative on your trip here. The two gates to discover are The Land Gate and Sea Gate. The formidable defence systems were constructed in the 1500s. The Land Gate (which is Zadar’s main gate) was Built in 1543 and provides the best access point when exploring the old part of the city. The gate is still as striking today as it must have been half a millennium ago. The Sea Gate was built in 1560 and is a probable entrance point if you’re entering the city from the pedestrian bridge across the marina. Although it is slightly less impressive than the Land Gate, the Sea gate is still worth seeing.
OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO
Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation was created by the same architect who designed the Sea Organ – Nikola Bašić. This structure is a 22m-wide circle set into the pavement and is filled with 300 multilayered glass plates which collect the sun’s energy during the day. The light show is from sunset to sunrise and is meant to simulate the solar system. However, the sun salutation is best visited after dark. The light show continues as 10,000 solar panels release the light they’ve absorbed during the day to create a spectacular light show. This is truly an amazing sight that cannot be missed!
This is one of Zadar’s most beloved attractions.
Museum of Ancient Glass
The Museum of Ancient Glass is an archeological museum which is specialized just for ancient glass. The museum is based in Cosmacendi Palace, and houses one of Europe’s largest collections of antique glass artifacts. At the museum, you will find items like delicate pieces of jewellery to large drinking vessels and cups for mass. This is a fun and also educational experience as you will learn about how glass making techniques have changed over time and even get the chance to witness a glass making demonstration. These demonstrations normally take place from 10am to 2pm, so make sure you arrive on time.
At the end of the tour, make sure to visit the shop and purchase some glassware made the ancient way.
Kornati National Park
The Kornati National Park is located just off the coast of Zadar, and has more than 80 islands alone. It is often referred to as a “nautical paradise”. The park was established in 1980 to protect marine life and preserve natural habitats. A day trip here is definitely recommended as it is the perfect way to explore the islands which used to be home to many Roman villas and farms. Many of the islands still have many Roman remains.
The national park is also a popular destination for diving, sailing, camping & hiking. There are many activities to take part in on your trip here.
Five Wells Square
The Five Wells Square is a location where an underground water cistern once stood. The cisterns were accessed by five wells on the same square. Although the cistern no longer functions, the wells which were established above ground are still intact today. The square is lovely for a late night stroll around Zadar in the cool breeze. It is also mostly a popular place for concerts and events, and you may be lucky enough to catch one whilst you’re there.
The park nearby the square is the city’s oldest park, and serves as the perfect gathering point for skateboarders.
St. Simeon’s Church
St. Simeon’s Church is the home of the mummified body of St. Simeon (one of Zadar’s patron saints). First built in the 5th century, it has a very humble exterior. Inside the church though, the sarcophagus (altar) of St Simeon is a masterpiece. The sarcophagus is carried by two bronze angels from 1647. The 17th-century baroque church features an ornate silver casket, which depicts scenes from the saint’s life.
The church is full of artistic value and it is finely decorated, you will have an amazing time exploring it.
Archaeological Museum
Zadar’s Archeological museum is the second oldest museum in Croatia. Founded in 1832, the museum is located on the Forum square. The first floor covers the Classical period, whilst the second floor covers the prehistoric exhibition. The archaeological Museum in Zadar is home to more than 100,000 different archaeological artifacts and monuments. The museum provides an impressive display of Prehistoric, Illyrian Roman, Byzantine and medieval artefacts recovered in and around Zadar.
For almost 60 years, the museum has been producing hand-made souvenirs such as amphoras, bowls, fibulas (broches), jewellery and other valuable museum material in a preparatory workshop. You can pick some of these up at the museum shop.
Boat in a Barkajol
A boat ride along Jazine bay is very worthwhile. Get in a Barkajol and allow the boatmen (barkajoli) who have been rowing passengers across the bay for about 800 years to uncover new sights of Zadar to you. From early morning to late evening, the Barkajoli take passengers and tourists with a little rowing boat across the Zadar peninsula to the mainland and back. Not many know this method of transport even exists in Zadar, but a ride in a Barkajol is certainly a unique Croatian experience.
Get in one today, you’ll be in for an amazing ride!
Museum of Church Art
Zadar’s Museum of Church art is also known as The Gold and Silver of Zadar. It houses one of the most valuable exhibitions in Croatia. It is located in the building of the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary and run by the Benedictine nuns. The nuns are very helpful, and are able reveal some interesting facts related to the exhibitions. The Museum of Church art includes paintings, tapestries, sculptures, reliefs, and intricately carved gold and silver objects which were amassed by the archdiocese of Zadar. All in all, the exhibition is of special religious significance.
Note: Times of the museum are restricted to a few hours, so make sure to check before heading there!
Tour the Vineyards
Croatia is well known for its vast vineyards which produce some of the world’s finest wines. You can find Kraljevski vineyards just outside Zadar, in Petrcane. Petrcane is harmonious with nature, it’s impressive landscape bursts with colours of green vineyards. Kraljevski vineyards in particular produce some of the region’s most highly valued wine. Booking a tour of the vineyard will allow you to bask in the picturesque surroundings and will also include wine-tasting.
Take a trip to the vineyards and try the exquisite varieties of wines which are up for grabs!
Zadar Archipelago
The Zadar Archipelago is in the vicinity of Zadar consisting of hundreds of smaller and larger islands and islets. A day trip here is the perfect way to explore the Dalmatian coast. Islands in the Zadar Archipelago stretch along the coast over an area of about 400 square kilometres. Of the many islands that the Zadar Archipelago consists of, only twenty are permanently populated; some have no permanent residents. Islands worth visiting are Bozava, Molat, Olib, Pasman, Ugljan, and Premuda. Zadar Archipelago is truly an ultimate sightseeing adventure.
You will experience tranquility on the island’s beaches and discover the sheer beauty of untouched nature.
Paklenica National Park
Paklenica National Park is about a 40-minute drive from Zadar. Paklenica is well known for its two canyons, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica. Velika Paklenica is 14km long and between 500 to 800m wide. Whilst Mala Paklenica is smaller at still 12km long and between 400 to 500m wide. The Park is very suitable for hiking, and there are a number of trails which have different difficulties and lengths. Paklenica National Park is the most visited climbing center in Croatia. Even if you have never tried climbing, it’s the perfect beginner’s playground.
Enjoy the mixture of high peaks and stunning views that you will be afforded at Paklenica National Park. leac with a sense of achievement for climbing the spectacular limestone landscape.
The Church of St. Chrysogonus
The Romanesque Church of St. Chrysogonus was built by the Benedictines in the 10th century. Named after Saint Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city, Church of St. Chrysogonus was consecrated by Lampridius, Archbishop of Zadar, in 1175. The church today stands as the only part remaining of the former great Medieval male Benedictine Monastery. The church was meant to have a bell-tower and construction for it began in 1485, however it was abandoned in 1546 and never finished. The exterior as well as interior of the church is splendid, it is definitely worth a look!
The Church of St. Chrysogonus is notable for its well-preserved 13th-century frescoes and high altar.
