Five Wells
Five Wells
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
288 reviews
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Natasha P
London, UK245 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
The area around the 5 Wells Square does seem to be under quite a bit of reconstruction. There are some bars and restaurants, one bar right next to the 5 Wells and seems to be only open in the evenings or is maybe a late night bar. Personally i feel it is not in keeping with the area. Unfortunately there is not much on display for you to understand the significance of the 5 Wells so you do need to look to Google.
There is a pretty garden up the steps but that too has now also been spoilt with another bar up there, nice views out across to the Land Gate and harbour.
It is worth a quick 5 minutes or so of your time.
There is a pretty garden up the steps but that too has now also been spoilt with another bar up there, nice views out across to the Land Gate and harbour.
It is worth a quick 5 minutes or so of your time.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK22 551 contributions
May 2022
The Five Wells Square in Zadar was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire army, when the defensive moat was covered up on the west side of the bastion, previously excavated in the Middle Ages. In its place, a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated wellheads was built, and parts of the aqueduct that used to bring water directly from the Vrana Lake, have been preserved. After the danger had passed, a protective wall was built on the site. On one side is the the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madije Park, and on another the Captain's Tower that rises 26 metres. Their are several places to eat some with upper terraces and the space is large enough to host events such as a concert which was on whilst we were there.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1 642 contributions
May 2023
The Renaissance Five Wells Square in Zadar is encircled by the western medieval wall and the Captain's Tower that rises 26 metres, and by the supporting wall on the east with the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madije Park. It is located just inside the Land Gate.
You have not been to Zadar if you have not taken a picture here.
During our tour, we learned that the Five Wells Square was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire army, when the defensive moat was covered up. In its place, a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated wellheads was built, and parts of the aqueduct that used to bring water directly from the Vrana Lake.
The important thing about this square is its history as there are quite a few sights to see here besides the wells.
Tucked inside the Land Gate near the entrance to Zadar’s historic centre, the five-sided Captain’s Tower was built around the same time as the Venetian landmark, when the threat of Ottoman invasion was imminent. Today it has been converted into an exhibition space, four floors connected by a winding staircase.
The area is also surrounded by the old city walls, and there are several touristy but cute cafes and restaurants. I found it to be one of the most beautiful spots within this ancient city.
As an aside, we really enjoyed our time here, Zadar is one of Dalmatia’s larger cities, but it did not feel that way and has lots of interesting architecture. First settled by the Illyrians, the Romans, then Venetians, heavily bombed during WWII and held under siege during the Homeland War. We only spent two nights in Zadar – in hindsight, we could have used another day.
You have not been to Zadar if you have not taken a picture here.
During our tour, we learned that the Five Wells Square was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire army, when the defensive moat was covered up. In its place, a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated wellheads was built, and parts of the aqueduct that used to bring water directly from the Vrana Lake.
The important thing about this square is its history as there are quite a few sights to see here besides the wells.
Tucked inside the Land Gate near the entrance to Zadar’s historic centre, the five-sided Captain’s Tower was built around the same time as the Venetian landmark, when the threat of Ottoman invasion was imminent. Today it has been converted into an exhibition space, four floors connected by a winding staircase.
The area is also surrounded by the old city walls, and there are several touristy but cute cafes and restaurants. I found it to be one of the most beautiful spots within this ancient city.
As an aside, we really enjoyed our time here, Zadar is one of Dalmatia’s larger cities, but it did not feel that way and has lots of interesting architecture. First settled by the Illyrians, the Romans, then Venetians, heavily bombed during WWII and held under siege during the Homeland War. We only spent two nights in Zadar – in hindsight, we could have used another day.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK3 610 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
This aptly named public square is encircled by the western medieval wall and the Captains tower and is where you need to go if you want to find the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madjevka Park.
It was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire army, when the defensive moat was covered up on the west side of the bastion, previously excavated in the Middle Ages. In its place, a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated wellheads was built. These and parts of the aqueduct that used to bring water directly from the Vrana Lake, have been preserved.
It was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire army, when the defensive moat was covered up on the west side of the bastion, previously excavated in the Middle Ages. In its place, a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated wellheads was built. These and parts of the aqueduct that used to bring water directly from the Vrana Lake, have been preserved.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1girl_1passport
Vancouver, Canada1 284 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Nice square to visit, wasn’t busy and was kept quite well.
The Square is located on a site between the medieval City Walls and the Renaissance bastion Grimani, where the oldest park in Croatia is located.
The Square features exactly what its name suggests – five wells lined up in a row.
During the 16th century, the Venetians helped the city withstand Turkish sieges by building a large drinking water cistern with five ornamental wellheads.
When the Turkish threat ended, a park was built on top of the nearby bastion, and nowadays the attractive stone-flagged park serves as the perfect gathering point for skateboarders.
The Square is located on a site between the medieval City Walls and the Renaissance bastion Grimani, where the oldest park in Croatia is located.
The Square features exactly what its name suggests – five wells lined up in a row.
During the 16th century, the Venetians helped the city withstand Turkish sieges by building a large drinking water cistern with five ornamental wellheads.
When the Turkish threat ended, a park was built on top of the nearby bastion, and nowadays the attractive stone-flagged park serves as the perfect gathering point for skateboarders.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabito2015
Brasilia, DF672 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Pet Bunara Square or 5 Fountain Square is one of the most iconic in Zadar. In it we find the Medieval Tower Kula Bablja or Captain's Tower. And next to her are the remains of the old wall. The five fountains of the square were used to distribute water to the whole city. The wells were built by the Venetians in the 16th century during a siege by the Turks.
Automatically translated
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dese2
Auburn, NY3 632 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Glad we passed by this historically significant spot in Zadar.
The Rennaissance Five Well Square is surrounded by the medieval city wall and the Captain's Tower.
The supporting wall on the east is the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madije Park so be sure to take the steps up for another good spot in Zadar.
The Rennaissance Five Well Square is surrounded by the medieval city wall and the Captain's Tower.
The supporting wall on the east is the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madije Park so be sure to take the steps up for another good spot in Zadar.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HikingHonu
San Diego, CA230 contributions
Aug 2023
The Five Wells was a beautiful respite of beauty and history. We walked from our apartment along the sea promenade to the old town walls. It is a beautiful site. There are many plaques along the way for you to view to learn more about the history of the landmark. We were short on time but were glad that we were able to walk around the gardens and admire the construction of these beautiful structures.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelhampster
Middletown, CT88 contributions
Jun 2023
Pretty square adjacent to another very pretty square with a Roman column and exposed ancient foundations, delicious restaurants, cafes and bars. It's also right next to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park which is very pretty and small enough for a quick stroll.
Definitely a place to spend time eating, drinking and relaxing in the historic center of the city.
Definitely a place to spend time eating, drinking and relaxing in the historic center of the city.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BharathiMani
Bengaluru, India4 409 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
The town of town of Zadar is a wonderful place to walk around and soak in the sights.
This is one of the places you must cover on your walking tour. This plane is close to the Land gate. The square with the five wells is very photogenic.
This is one of the places you must cover on your walking tour. This plane is close to the Land gate. The square with the five wells is very photogenic.
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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