Taking time
The numerous attractions of the city of Zadar can best be reached on foot. The historical city centre is the best place to start your tour.
Marvel at the many churches, visit the museums or the theatre, read more in the city’s libraries or simply follow the itinerary given below:
Most attractions can be found in the old part of city – some of them right next to each other: the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) dating from the 16th century, the City Gate (Gradska straza), the Roman Forum from the 1st century, the Municipal Loggia from the 16th century, the Squares of Five and Three Wells (16th century), Roman columns (used as pillories in the Middle Ages), the market place (Pijaca) and fish market.
Read more about the history of Zadar.
NEWS: yet another attraction has now been added to Zadar!Visit the Sea Organ at the start of the beautiful Riva (near the ferry to Ancona). The wind and waves produce different tones and invite you to sit on the steps, listen to the sounds of the Sea Organ and enjoy the view out over the island world that lies before Zadar.
Churches
Cathedral Church of Saint Anastasia (Sv. Anastasija):The cathedral church is the largest basilica in Dalmatia and dates from the second half of the 13th century, and is a prime example of the early Romanesque style. During the crusade in 1202, the old cathedral was destroyed, but was later renovated and extended. The main portal has a relief in the Gothic style and a sanctified inscription of Bishop John dating from 1324. The bell tower was built between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Churches of Saint Ilija and Saint Simeon (Sv. Ilija / Sv. Simeon):
The Church of Saint Simeon was originally an early Christian three-nave basilica, then a Gothic structure and later an interesting monument to the provincial Baroque style. The main attraction of this church is the sarcophagus of Saint Simeon, representing the most monumental example of precious metal-working from the medieval period. On the orders of the Croat-Hungarian Queen Elisabeth, whose maiden name was Kotromanić, the goldsmith Francesco De Sesto from Milan, assisted by local craftsmen, completed the shrine to St. Simeon between 1377 and 1380. St. Simeon is also the patron saint of Zadar. This shrine can be visited daily, but the saint’s mummified remains are only brought out on 8 October, St. Simeon’s day, and on important church festivals.
Telephone Presbytery: 00385 (023) 211 705
Church of the Convent of Saint Mary (Sv. Marija):
The convent, church and bell tower of Saint Mary are among the most important and well-known monuments of Zadar. It is believed that Cika, a Zadar noblewoman, founded the convent of Saint Mary in 1066. In 1091 she had the large, three-nave basilica built in the early Romanesque-Lombard style.
Opening times: daily 10.00 - 12.30 and 18.00 - 19.30, Saturdays 10.00 - 12.30
Former Church of the Holy Trinity:
This is the oldest church in the city; according to legend it was built from a temple devoted to Juno. The church dates from the 9th century and today houses the Archaeological Museum.
Phone 00385 (023) 250 516, Fax 00385 (023) 251 033
Permanent exhibition of medieval and prehistoric art
Opening times: daily 9.00 - 13.00 and 18.00 - 20.30, closed on Sundays
Church of Saint Donat (crkva sv. Donata):
The two-storey round church of Saint Donat dates from the 9th century, and is the most representative Croatian monument of the early Christian period. It was built on the initiative of Bishop Donat on the foundations of the Roman forum. The church is the most famous structure of the city of Zadar, for which it has become the symbol. The interior and exterior are today used within the Roman forum for various cultural events, especially in summer during the tourist season.
Telephone Presbytery: 00385 (023) 314 586
Museums
Archaelogical Museum:Trg Opatice Cike, phone 00385 (023) 250 516, Fax 00385 (023) 251 033. Permanent exhibition of medieval and prehistoric art. Opening times: daily 9.00 - 13.00 and 18.00 - 20.30, closed Sundays
Folkloric museum:
Poljana Pape Aleksandra III, Phone 00385 (023) 251 851. Permanent exhibition: "From the Romanesque to the Renaissance". Opening times: daily 9.00 - 14.00, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Art Gallery:
Andrije Medulica 2, Phone 00385 (023) 211 174. Permanent exhibition: "Croatian Painting and Sculpture in the 19th and 20th Centuries". Opening times: daily 9.00 - 12.00 and 17.00 - 20.00, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Permanent Exhibition of Sacral Art, Trg Opatice Cike, Phone 00385 (023) 250 496, Fax 00385 (023) 250 517. A permanent exhibition of precious metal-working (silver and gold objects) from Zadar and its surrounding area, the reconstructed interior of the Chapel of Christ as Piers Plowman from the 11th century, manuscripts, sculptures, embroidery, tapestries, etc. are all housed in an area of some 1200 m2 in eight modern halls of the Benedictine convent of Saint Mary, one of the first significant structures of Croatian culture. Opening times: daily 10.00 - 12.30 and 18.00 - 19.30, Saturdays 10.00 - 12.30.
Theatre
Croatian Theatre:Široka Ulica 8, Phone 00385 (023) 314 586, Fax 00385 (023) 314 590
Puppet Theatre:
Obala Kralja Tomislava, Phone 00385 (023) 319 181, Fax 00385 (023) 311 122
Theatre summer in Zadar:
Trg Pet Bunara, Church of Saint Donat and Courtyard of the Providur Palace
Phone 00385 (023) 314 586, Email: hkk-zd@zd.htnet.hr
Libraries
Scientific Library:A. Kuzmanica, Phone 00385 (023) 211 365
Historical Archives:
Rudjera BoŠkovica, Phone 00385 (023) 211 530
