17 Attractions in Zadar You Must See

The ancient Croatian city of Zadar is literally steeped in history. It is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea and is famous for having the most beautiful sunsets in the world. This small piece of land is surrounded by stone fortifications, and the numerous old churches in the city are impossible to visit in just one trip.

The city is renowned for its unique architecture, and the historical landmarks of Zadar tell the story of the civilizations that once lived here and fought fiercely for their homes.

The Church of St. Donatus is one of the main historical landmarks of the city and a valuable example of Byzantine architecture found in Dalmatia. The church was built in the 9th century and was initially named the Church of the Holy Trinity, but was later renamed in honor of Bishop Donatus.

When visiting this architectural masterpiece, pay attention to its unique round shape with three apses. The church was built on the site of an old Roman forum and has preserved many elements of the original structure, including two supporting columns. The floor of the church was excavated to reveal the original stonework, and stones from the Roman forum were used in the construction of the building.

Address: Church of St. Donatus, Trg Svete Stošije, Zadar, Croatia.

Zadar Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, is a blend of architectural styles from several generations. The original building was constructed in the Byzantine style in the 9th century, and then, in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was remodeled in the Romanesque style. The most interesting feature is the facade, which has three entrances, two beautiful rose windows, and is adorned with decorative arches.

The upper part of the building is done in Gothic style, while the lower part belongs to Romanesque architecture. The main attractions of the cathedral are the relics of Saint Anastasia, stone altars, and wooden carved choirs.

Nearby stands a beautiful bell tower from the 15th century, the upper levels of which were completed at the end of the 19th century. From the top of the bell tower, there is an amazing view of the city.

Address: Zadar Cathedral, Trg Svete Stošije, Zadar, Croatia.

The famous Sea Organ was installed on the Zadar waterfront in 2005. This popular attraction is now considered one of the best art installations in the country. The giant musical instrument is activated by waves: it consists of a system of underwater pipes located beneath the marble steps that lead into the water.

Each pipe produces a specific note, and together they create a beautiful ethereal melody that creates a special atmosphere. Similar installations can be found in other cities around the world, such as in San Francisco. Nearby is the Greeting to the Sun - another must-see spot in Zadar.

This spectacular installation is in the shape of a circle, consisting of 300 multilayered glass plates with solar elements that light up when night falls. These attractions wonderfully complement each other and can be visited in one day.

Address: Morske Orgulje, Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV, Zadar, Croatia.

Just a ten-minute walk along a scenic road from the old town is the main city beach, Kolovare, with crystal clear blue waters and a sandy-pebble shore. In summer, Kolovare can get quite crowded, and if the sun is especially hot, you can move to the shaded picnic area nearby.

The beach has showers, changing booths, and restrooms. There are also shops and restaurants nearby. If you want to swim in a less crowded place, head to the eastern part of the beach closer to the cape.

Address: Kolovare Beach, Kolovare ulica, Zadar, Croatia.

Kornati National Park is located near the shores of Zadar and includes 147 islands of the Zadar archipelago. It was established in 1980 to protect marine flora and fauna and preserve natural habitats. Most of these islands are uninhabited. The largest of these, Kornat Island, is 25 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide. The islands are dotted with cliffs, deep crevices, and caves.

Once there were Roman villas and farms here, but due to a lack of fresh water during Venetian rule, the islands became abandoned. On some islands, remnants of Roman presence can still be found, including the ruins of villas and remnants of walls leading into the water that were used as collection basins for fresh fish.

Today, the beauty of the islands attracts yacht lovers and scuba divers, and marine excursions are offered on tourist and private vessels.

Address: Nacionalni park Kornati, Ul. Butina, Murter, Croatia.

During a walking tour of the city, you can see the ancient Roman Forum, built between 1000 BC and AD 3000 (you can't miss it - it's located next to the beautiful old churches of Zadar). The majestic ruins of the forum stretch over a square area called Zeleni trg Square, measuring 90 meters long and 45 meters wide.

During the Roman Empire, the forum housed the central market and a place for public ceremonies. Attractions of the forum include remnants of the foundation of some public buildings, stone slabs, and a Corinthian column.

Also at the forum, a pillory remains, where criminals were shackled for public display from the Middle Ages until the 19th century. The Roman Forum is best visited at night when the lighting is turned on.

Address: Roman Forum, Zadar, Croatia.

The Church of St. Chrysogonus (Crkva sv Krševana) is an example of Romanesque architecture, built by Benedictines on the site of an ancient Roman market in the late 12th century. Inside this beautiful ancient church with three naves, there is the main altar from the early 1700s in Baroque style, an apse with well-preserved 13th-century frescoes, and a Romanesque crucifix.

The back of the church is no less attractive - it features an apse with a row of arched windows at its top.

Address: St. Chrysogonus Church, Zadar, Croatia.

The Church of St. Simeon was built in the 7th century and holds the relics of St. Simeon, one of the four patron saints of Zadar's churches. The relics are housed in a sarcophagus designed by Francesco da Milano in the late 14th century.

The cedar coffin is decorated with gilded reliefs depicting the life of St. Simeon and a reproduction of the Chapel of the Arena from the Italian city of Padua. Also noteworthy is the magnificent altar of the church depicting the Virgin Mary and the saints.

Address: St. Simeon's Church, Zadar, Croatia.

The Zadar Archaeological Museum (Arheološki muzej Zadar) is one of the oldest museums in Croatia. It was founded in 1832 and is dedicated to the rich history of the city. The museum's exhibits tell the story of how the Dalmatian part of Croatia was formed. On the impressive lower floor area of the museum, there are exhibitions dedicated to the archaeological finds from the 7th to the 12th centuries and an outstanding collection of glass artifacts.

The exhibitions on the first floor are related to the history of Northern Dalmatia during the Roman period: the most interesting exhibit is a model of Zadar, recreating the layout of the city at that time. The second floor features exhibitions on the earliest periods of history: the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, as well as the Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages. The exhibits are complemented by weapons, jewelry, pottery, and other artifacts from these epochs.

Address: Archäologisches Museum Zadar, Trg opatice Čike, Zadar, Croatia.

St. Mary's Church was built in the 11th century and has undergone many changes over time. The functioning church has a Renaissance facade and a beautiful bell tower known as the Coloman Tower, built in the Romanesque style of the 12th century.

Adjacent to the church is an old monastery that now houses the Museum of Church Art. It features interesting collections of gold artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. The 11th-century St. Nedilica Church showcases the exhibition 'Gold and Silver of Zadar.' In addition to magnificent gold artworks, the museum houses valuable religious relics such as remains of saints and important bishops, as well as ancient garments and fabrics.

Address: St. Mary's Church, Zadar, Madijevaca ulica, Zadar, Croatia.

People's Square has been the center of public life in Zadar since its establishment in the 16th century. The main attraction of the square is the old City Guard building (Gradska Straza), built in the mid-16th century. It is located in the western part of the square, and in its tall 18th-century clock tower, there is a small ethnographic museum.

Across from the tower stands the Renaissance-era City Lodge building (Gradska Loza), built in 1565, which served as a venue for important public speeches and announcements. Today, this magnificent old building hosts a public gallery where art and other exhibitions are held. Another attraction of People's Square is the City Hall, erected in 1930.

Address: People's Square, Narodni trg, Zadar, Croatia.

In a beautiful 19th-century mansion, the Kosmachevi Palace, near the Zadar waterfront, is the magnificent Museum of Ancient Glass. It houses the largest collection of ancient glass artifacts in Europe. Among them are rare Roman jugs, cups, and bowls, discovered over many years of archaeological excavations in the Dalmatian region of Croatia.

The museum's exhibits also feature glass vessels used for storing oils and perfumes, glass bowls that were used in the first churches during festive services, and small bottles for holding holy water. After touring the museum, you can stroll through the palace grounds, which offer a stunning view of Jazine Bay.

Address: Museum of Ancient Glass, Zadar, Croatia.

You may have heard about the city walls built by the Venetians to keep the Ottoman invaders out of the bay. However, they would be of little use without supplies of fresh drinking water.

It was decided to construct a cistern connected to five wells located in the same square. They still remain at the same spot near the crenellated walls of the city bastion. The square is best visited late in the evening when the wells and fortifications are illuminated from below.

Address: Five Wells Square, Trg pet bunara, Zadar, Croatia.

This park was created to protect karst formations along the coast, such as caves, cliffs, and high rock faces. The mountain trails of Paklenica National Park, stretching over 200 kilometers, are very popular among hikers and climbers. Most visitors come here to see two stunning canyons - the Big (Velika) and Small (Mala).

Their sheer cliffs rise to over 700 meters. Sections of the Big Canyon are no more than 50 meters wide, and one section features the source of a stream flowing through the canyon. It forms a small lake surrounded by sharp cliffs. Cascading water from the lake forms a small stream that flows into the Adriatic Sea during the rainy months of spring and autumn.

Address: Paklenica National Park, Starigrad, Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes are located quite far - an hour and a half drive north of Zadar. Nevertheless, it is one of the most popular natural parks in Europe. The park consists of 14 lakes connected by waterfalls and small ponds, with their waters flowing down to the foot of mountains. The most beautiful of these waterfalls is the Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap), which is 70 meters tall. Wooden bridges are laid out between the waterfalls, allowing visitors to take in the panorama of cascades and observe the underwater life of these beautiful lakes.

Address: Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera, Plitvička Jezera, Croatia.

The Museum of Illusions is a great option for tourists looking for things to see in Zadar with children or on a rainy day. The museum's exhibits stimulate the mind and imagination: there are holograms, optical illusions, puzzles, kaleidoscopes, optical mirages, and funhouse mirrors. The most popular attractions at the museum are the anti-gravity room and the vortex tunnel. You can also host a children's party here and invite a magician for the kids.

Address: Muzej Iluzija, 2, Poljana Zemaljskog odbora, 23000, Poljana, Croatia.

Zadar is the perfect place to start exploring the Dalmatian coast and the beautiful islands of the Zadar archipelago. One of the most interesting places in the archipelago is Dugi Otok - the largest island, covering 124 square kilometers. It has multiple villages that primarily rely on farming and fishing. Dugi Otok has been a popular holiday destination since Roman times.

Here lies the settlement of Sali - the main communication and port center with Renaissance-style summer houses and the Church of St. Mary, as well as the fishing village of Božava with the 10th-century Church of St. Nicholas. The island is famous for its stunning rocky landscapes and natural attractions.

Among them is the famous Sakarun Bay and the Telašćica Nature Park, where you can relax on the beach or go snorkeling. Other islands in the Zadar archipelago, such as Molat, Olib, Pašman, Ugljan, and Premuda, are also known for their peaceful and beautiful beaches.

Address: Dugi Otok, Croatia.