Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is a beautiful town located in Dalmatia. It is an important cultural and industrial center and the fifth largest city in Croatia. Its history dates back to Roman times, a period when formidable defensive walls and towers, as well as temples and an amphitheatre, were constructed. Today, these Roman origins are still visible through well-preserved ruins and ongoing archaeological excavations. The historic center is a treasure trove of monuments, and in recent years, it has been enhanced with innovative modern attractions, most notably the famous Sea Organ.
Parking in Zadar
We must commend the municipal authorities for a well-thought-out parking policy. In Zadar, there is no problem with parking a car near the old town (well, unless it is the peak of the tourist season, and we arrived in the city very late). There are several parking lots, and each of them is quite large.
First of all, which does not happen in cities of this size, we have a large free parking lot (1, GPS: 44.1094845, 15.2322337), located near the peninsula where the old town is situated. So try to park there first. If there is no more space, use the Ravnice 2 parking lot (2, GPS: 44.1109788, 15.23227825) - it is a paid parking lot, but the prices are very moderate (2 euros per hour).
Other parking lots near the old town are the Trg kneza Višeslava parking lot (3; GPS: 44.110852, 15.235350) and the multi-storey parking lot, located on the other side of a narrow bay that can be crossed by a bridge (4; GPS: 44.114316, 15.234844).
These multiple options ensure that visitors can almost always find a place to park their car, providing a stress-free start to their exploration of the city. The city has made great strides in providing ample parking, making it a very accessible destination even for those travelling by car.
The Old Town of Zadar
We managed to park without any problems at the Ravnice 2 parking lot. We walked the Obala kralja Tomislava street, and then Bartola Kašića street, and then we reached a very nice square, Trg Pet Bunara (square of five wells) (A; GPS: 44.1125971, 15.2289450). As the name suggests, there are five wells. Next to it we have the remains of the city walls and a tower. This place reminds us of a Provençal town, especially when you go to the neighboring Trg Petra Zoranica square and look at the tenement house with plane trees standing there. On Petra Zoranic Square, we also notice another curiosity - a Roman column.
The Five Wells Square is a significant landmark, built in the 16th century during the Venetian rule as part of the city's defense system. The wells were a crucial source of fresh water for the city's inhabitants. The square’s connection to the adjacent Petra Zoranica Square and the Roman column highlights Zadar’s layered history, where ancient Roman foundations, medieval fortifications, and Venetian architecture coexist beautifully.
This area perfectly encapsulates the layered history of Zadar. The formidable city walls, originally built for defense, now offer a sense of stepping back in time. The juxtaposition of the Venetian-era wells and the Roman column provides a compelling visual narrative of the city's many rulers and influences over the centuries, making this a great starting point for any tour.
Narodni Trg
We walk the Elizabete Kotromanić street towards the Narodni Trg square (B; GPS: 44.1142248, 15.2274671), famous for its surrounding historic buildings. It was the main square in medieval Zadar. We happened to come across a celebration with children - it was bustling, crowded and cheerful. At the square there are the buildings of the city guard from the 16th century with a beautiful clock tower and a nice campanile, as well as the building of the town hall.
Narodni Trg remains the beating heart of Zadar's civic life. The City Loggia, which once served as a courthouse and town hall, and the City Guard building with its impressive clock tower, are wonderful examples of the city's rich architectural heritage. The bustling atmosphere, combined with the timeless architecture, allows visitors to feel the pulse of Zadar's daily life, much as it has for centuries.
Cathedral of St. Anastasia and the Church of St. Donatus
After taking a close look at Narodni Trg, we continue walking the Široka street until we reach the bell tower belonging to the Cathedral of St. Anastasia from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries (C; GPS: 44.1163372, 15.2244349). It is the largest building of this type in all of Dalmatia. Of course, you can climb the bell tower itself (entrance tickets are required). Next to the cathedral stands the pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus from the 9th century (here you also need to buy a ticket to go inside).
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with intricate facade details and a soaring bell tower that defines the city's skyline. The panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth the climb, offering a unique perspective on the red rooftops of the old town and the surrounding archipelago. The Church of St. Donatus, with its distinctive cylindrical shape, is one of the most important monuments of Croatian medieval architecture, symbolizing the city's Byzantine influence.
At the church there are archaeological excavations containing the remains of Roman buildings forming the forum. It was the center of public life. One of the preserved columns (D; GPS: 44.1159908, 15.2236920) called the Pillar of Shame served as a pillory. Criminals were chained to it to be whipped and mocked. They often had a plaque around their necks with a description of the crimes they had committed. Passers-by threw rotten fruit, stones and garbage at them.
Sea Organ
The famous Sea Organ in Zadar (E; GPS: 44.1170267, 15.2201854) is a fairly new attraction - its construction was completed in 2005. The sound of the sea organ is simply fascinating. We found it mesmerizing - as we sat on the steps and started listening to it, we felt an irresistible urge to close our eyes and fall asleep. If it wasn't for the sounds caused by the tourists around us, we would definitely fall asleep 😀. Many people claim that the first contact with these sounds is a mystical and magical experience. We were in Zadar when the waves were very calm, but at some point they became bigger and the organ immediately started making more varied sounds. It's definitely worth coming here when the wind blows 😀.
Designed by architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ is an architectural sound art object that plays music by means of sea waves and a series of pipes. The constant interaction between the sea and the instrument creates an ever-changing and unpredictable melody, making each listen a unique experience. This brilliant installation, located on the waterfront, has become a symbol of Zadar's modern, innovative spirit, blending art, nature, and engineering. It is also situated near the "Greeting to the Sun" installation, a solar-powered light show that comes alive after sunset, creating a perfect evening spot.
Gastronomy and Local Delights
When spending the whole day in Zadar, you can't forget about a meal. We visited the Bruschetta restaurant (F; GPS: 44.1138633, 15.2249605) and were very pleased with both the service and the dishes. The local cuisine in Dalmatia is a Mediterranean delight, focusing on fresh seafood, olive oil, and herbs. You can enjoy grilled fish, black risotto, and various pasta dishes with local produce, all while enjoying the charming atmosphere of the Old Town's restaurants.
On the way back, we also stopped at the recommended Art Kavana cafe (G; GPS: 44.1126688, 15.2310363) and we were not disappointed! We have not encountered such a selection of cakes anywhere else in Croatia (and it is difficult in Poland as well). We especially enjoyed the local delicacy - Zadar Torte - something wonderful. We also bought it to take away to enjoy it in our apartment. For those interested - here's the recipe (translated automatically into English).
See also: