Zadar sightseeing top 5
Zadar is a port city on the Adriatic Sea coast in central Croatia. It is the center of the Dalmatian region and is full of culture and romance dating back to ancient Roman times. Along with Dubrovnik and Split, it has a reputation as a classic Adriatic vacation destination.
St. Donat Cathedral,
an ancient Roman stone cathedral
Private Old Town Walking Tour in Zadar
Zadar’s oldest cathedral was built on the ruins of an old Roman square. It is characterized by its Byzantine style, which is rarely seen in the Balkan region. After the collapse of the old Roman square, the church was built from the stones that were scattered all over the place. The exterior as well as the interior decorations and structures are all made of stones from the Roman square. Initially called the Church of the Holy Trinity, it was renamed in honor of Bishop Donat, who built it.
Romantic music played by the waves,
Sea Organ
The world’s first sea organ. Created in 2005 by architect Nikola Vasac and Dalmatian stonemasons, it has quickly become Zadar’s new favorite attraction. It’s 75 meters long and has 35 pipes lining the sidewalk along the Adriatic beach. You can listen to the colorful performance as the tide rises and falls, the sound changing depending on the size and speed of the waves. There is something very romantic about listening to the sea organ at sunset while sitting on the steps of the beach and watching the Adriatic sunset. Don’t miss the floor lights behind the organ, which provide beautiful illumination.
Narodni Trg (Square),
the heart of Zadar
Narodni means “people” in the local language and is located in the middle of Siroka Boulevard in the center of the Old Town. It’s where tours of Zadar begin and is a favorite meeting place for locals. The 15th-century Town Hall building stands tall in the center of the square, which is lined with open-air cafes. St. Lawrence Cathedral, with its gleaming marble floors and early Romanesque architecture, is also worth a look. The square is also home to the Clock Tower, the Public Court, the Roman Forum, and the Archaeological Museum.
Roman Forum,
Ancient Rome by the Adriatic Sea
Zadar City Tour 120min Walk
This large group of ruins in front of St. Donat’s Church was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus between the 1st and 3rd centuries BC and was used as a public square, marketplace, and assembly hall in ancient Rome. It was once the largest Roman ruin on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans, but was heavily damaged during World War II and is still undergoing restoration. Despite the rubble everywhere, the site is highly valuable archaeologically. At sunset, it transforms into a stunning photo opportunity with St. Donat’s Church.
City Gate,
Zadar’s only Renaissance building
Zadar Unesco Tour with Local Guide
Built in the mid-14th century, this Renaissance structure serves as a passage between the New and Old Towns. The winged lion in the center represents the Venetian Republic, while the three arches symbolize victory. There are three passageways in total, with carriages in the center and people coming and going on either side. Today, the center aisle is still used by cars, while the left and right sides are pedestrianized. The land gate itself is stunning, but the tranquil harbor on the left is equally impressive. It makes for a great photo opportunity with the large and small powerboats moored in the background.
