CTW Explores
Zadar
Country: Croatia Language: Croatian Currency: Croatian kuna (kn)
Zadar is a small Old Town located on the coast of Croatia. When we say small, we mean the City Walls are roughly 800m by 400m. It can easily be explored on foot in a day, which makes it the perfect overnight stop if you are doing a Croatian Roadtrip. Zadar is on the water, allowing you to enjoy the rewarding sea breeze in the air and the soothing sounds of the Sea Organ as the waves rush in. The views of the Velebit Mountain Range in the background with the colorful and historic Old Town makes for a great relaxing holiday. Zadar was voted Best European Destination in 2016, making it on every Croatian tourists radar.
CTW Must See
Zadar Cathedral
Zadar is said to be the oldest city in Croatia that has been consistently inhabited by man. The Zadar Cathedral was originally built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries to resemble the Romanesque style. This Cathedral is the largest in Dalmatia and provides a beautiful backdrop to Zadar’s Old Town.
Church of St. Donatus
Built in the 9th centry, this is currently the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia. The Church of St. Donatus was built on the Roman Forum and stands 27 meters tall. The Roman Forum dates back to the 1st and 3rd century, and is now used as a nice picnic area to admire the charming city. The Roman Forum also provides the perfect place to capture a photo of the round church. Located just beside the ruins sits St Mary’s Church. This prominent feature of the city was destroyed during World War II but has since been rebuilt to resemble its previous appearance.
Greeting to the Sun & The Sea Organ
At the end of the Old Town, along the riverfront, you will find the Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun. The sea organ, installed in 2005, is a series of steps along the water that make music-like sounds as the waves crash into them, hence the name, Sea Organ. It is a lovely change of pace from the Old Town, and from what we traditionally know as waves crashing into pavement. Just beside the Sea Organ sits the Greeting to the Sun installation. This incredible installation is made up of 300 multi-layered glass plates and solar cells. During the day, the solar cells collect energy and at night, it installation lights up to perform alongside the Sea Organ.
Five Wells Square
The Five Wells that make up the square that supplied water to Zadar until from the late 1500’s to 1838. Today, the Five Wells Square is basically empty of tourists and crowds, as it seems most are at the opposite end of the city listening to the Sea Organ play its tune. This square located just within the city walls, beside the oldest park in Croatia, with the most beautiful backdrop of rich colorful buildings behind the wells. It is surely not a sight to be missed… Make sure you check out our post on taking better photos, to help you capture this image perfectly.
The People’s Square
This square is where most of the social life takes place in Zadar, and it has been that way for centuries! The square is full of ancient architecture, with some foundations dating back to the early Middle Ages. The square today is full of cafes and bars, attracting locals and tourists who keep the social atmosphere alive.
More Croatian Adventures...
Croatia is an extraordinary country with a lot to explore! Check out our city guides for some of the most popular Croatian cities...
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Rovinj
Dubrovnik
