Beside being a city of exceptional history and rich cultural heritage, Zadar is also the urban center of northern Dalmatia and administrative, economic, cultural and political center of the region. It is situated in the heart of Croatian side of Adriatic.
With more than three thousand years old, Zadar is an ancient city which has survived many destructions and devastations, but each time emerged from the ruins even stronge. It appeared for the first time in history as a settlement of the Illyrian tribe of Liburnians and it has changed his name lots of times through history, so you can find it mentioned in books as Jader, Idassa, Jadera, Diadora and Zara. For more than 1000 years it was the capital city of Dalmatia. Today, Zadar is an international, Mediterranean and Adriatic metropolis and a monument of several historic periods and cultures.
Monuments which serve as the best example of its complex history and background are best of all: the Roman forum from 1st century, St. Donatus church from 9th century, romanesque St. Grisigono’s Church from the 12th century, St. Mary’s bell tower from from the 12th century, St. Anastasia’s Cathedral from the 13th century, the People’s Square with the City’s Lodge and Guardhouse from the 16th century, mighty fortification walls. Apart from historical, there are some significant contemporary architectual monuments as sea organs, the first ones in the world. It is protected by four guardian saints: Zoilo, Simeon, Grisogone and Anastasia.
Due to huge space left for pedestrians, people can walk along the cobblestone streets of the city, get in touch with its history and feel the contemporary life of the city. Have a coffee just beneth St. Donat’s church from the 9th century and get inspired by the atmosphere. Zadar is also home to one of the oldest universities in Croatia ( dates back to 1396), and there were created the first Croatian novel and newspapers in Croatian language. With everything mentioned above, Zadar is definitely a must see while in Croatia due to its contribution to Croatian history and his unique lifestyle.
If Zadar is the next stop on your holidays in Croatia, join us on our Split to Zadar with Krka Waterfalls private tour. Already in Zadar? Explore more of Dalmatia and discover beautiful Split. Check out our Zadar to Split with Krka Waterfalls private tour.