Top Sights in Zadar, Croatia
Zadar Landmarks
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What travellers are saying
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6 160 contributionsWe were told by our Local Guide that this is the #1 attraction for tourists to Zadar!
From the Old Town Lion Gate we walked along the Western embarkment Promenade. As we approaches we can start to hear some sound, chimes that is rather unique.
The public art installations was created by Nikola Bašić whom have so successfully livened up the Zadar city waterfront that t won the European Public Space Award for its unusually & yet entertaining way.
From a distance the place is just marble step stones pavement but Set within the perforated stone stairs that extends into the sea is a system of pipes/whistles that exudes sound when the movement of the sea pushes air through it. With the random awashing of waves the sound (music) pl by way of sea waves will always be unique, and uncoordinated..
The waves interact with the organ and create somewhat random but harmonic sounds. Interesting & unforgettable..Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6 160 contributionsJust before the other fabulous installation of Sea Organ, it was actually in-place since 2008.! Another ingenuous design by famous architect Nikola Bašić, the Greeting to the Sun features some 300 glass plates set in a large circle within the stone paving. During the day the many light-sensitive solar modules below the glass plates absorb energy from the sun, and in the evening the wonder appears. The stored energy will energise the solar-powered multi-colored light display.
We were here around 6pm, early-Dec when the sun sets early so just nice. We catch a bit of the beautiful Dalmatian coast sunset as we amazed ourselves with the interesting lighting display.
Unique & unforgettable.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6 160 contributionsFrom the Zadar Old Town we walked towards the best-known of the gates along the walls that protects Zadar.
The Land gate was once the main entrance to the city. Located by the Foša harbor with views of the water, it was built by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli in 1543 and features a huge triumphal arch and two side arches, all decorated with images of Zadar’s patron saint, Chrysogonus. The winged lion of St. Mark hovering over the central arch is a clear reminder of Venice’s long rule over Zadar, as our Local Guide told us.
The magnificent Walls actually had several entrances but this the most impressive ones (also known as City Gate, or Kopnena vrata in Croatian). A Renaissance masterpiece that come in the form of a triumphal arch with a central passage and two smaller two arches for wheeled traffic and pedestrians. The monumental lion of St. Mark above it was thee coat of arms of the Venetian Republic.
Just an interesting point - the reverse side of the Wall is very plain.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CatharineBOttawa, Canada1 642 contributionsIt was built in the early 9th century on the paving stones of the former Roman Forum and has a circular ground plan with three circular apses.
This monumental pre-Romanesque round building, traditionally but erroneously said to have been erected on the site of a temple of Juno, is the most important preserved structure of its period in Dalmatia. The massive dome of the rotunda is surrounded by a vaulted gallery which also extends around the inside.
Inside, climb up some stairs and take a look down from the women’s gallery which is supported by six pilasters and two roman columns which border the circular nave and divide the structure into two floors.
We did not have to pay to enter the church and we did not climb the tower.
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 14 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BLANCA and LES HLa Bocana, BCS, Mexico191 contributionsIf you are not used to walking or running, this is not for you! The first and last sets of stairs are REALLY narrow and steep. The steps in the middle are slippery stone, my sandals slipped on them, so I went up barefoot!Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6 160 contributionsOne of the main attractions in Zadar is the Roman Forum. The Forum in Zadar was commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian, as witnessed by the stone inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century, when the construction finished. It is the site of the original roman marketplace although little original pieces now remain save for a surviving pillar of a colonnade. It is really amazing to be able to be so close to these historical ruins!
While most of the Roman ruins across Europe (even Italy) are quite guarded in Zadar one can even walk between the stones and even sit on them. But no advisable as these ae really historical treasures left behind!
Our Local Guide shared that the Forum complex originally features an elaborate design of temples and colonnades (but with one proud column standing intact now). There are closed porches with galleries on the first floor and under the porches. Most of the original structures were destroyed after a violent 6th century earthquake & the various past wars and today only the original pavement and stairs have been preserved. Plus 2 decorative monumental columns; one of which only one stands in its original place & that this column is thought to be a shame pillar with holes to hold chains. The other column was relocated a distance away!
We also walked past a reconstructed part of the capitol, just beside the pavement there are remains of an altar have been found where rites with blood victims were performed. We took a pic and attached to share.
Today the Zadar Roman Forum site also host a wonderful view of the famous St Donatus Church. And it is also a social spot to host concerts and commemorative events.
Must visit!Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dese2Auburn, NY3 632 contributionsGlad 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.Written 28 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Southside TravelsGlasgow, UK2 743 contributionsDid combined Cathedral and Bell tower ticket for €5 very good value for money in my opinion.
Nice small Cathedral for a wander about visit only takes about 20-30 minutes depending on have detailed a look you have..Written 2 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CatharineBOttawa, Canada1 642 contributionsZadar, historically known as Zara (from Venetian and Italian), is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia.
Everything that has ever mattered in Zadar, since the medieval period, happened or was heard of at the People's Square. This is where life happens. It is a small square, but very well organized and with lots of restaurants and shops around. Narodni trg assumed the role of the city’s main square after the Roman forum fell into disuse.
Among the sights of Zadar, you will find the City Guard, which dates back to 1562 and at the top there is a clock tower dating from the 19th century.
The Gradska Loža (City Lodge/Town Loggia) where municipal decisions were once made is situated across from City Guard. Today set behind glass, it functions as an exhibition space.
As an aside, we only spent two nights in Zadar – in hindsight, we could have used another day. We really enjoyed our time here, Zadar is one of Dalmatia’s larger cities, but it did not feel that way, and parking was affordable (rate increases during the summer, we visited in May). It also has a long history with 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.
From the People's Square, paths lead in all directions, but take the time to grab a coffee.
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 14 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - soinicLux.2 986 contributionsThe lion on the gate holds an open book which means that the city of Zadar had to pay taxes to the Serenissima (Venice).
Nice place for taking pictures.Written 1 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ljubica BLondon, UK8 298 contributionsLovely little monastery, near the seafront, you can hear the sea from this place, they have a beautiful courtyard, the chapel to San Francis is intimate and unique to light a candle cost 5 kunas, the church is beautiful, they have lovely religious pieces of art. The ticket is 15 kunas, 10 kunas and 5 kunas. From adult, child and students… Worth it to enter. They have very clean toilets.Written 4 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FTMDaveAdria, Italy7 770 contributionsPretty building with clock tower, where the clock has been working since 1803, in the beautiful People's Square. Used for exhibitions.Written 23 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hunglowPhuket, Thailand1 532 contributionsa beuaty tucked away in a little square. did not go inside but the outside was nice to look at and when sun hits it at the golden hour there is really good lighting on parts of it.Written 3 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6 160 contributionsIt is a 9th century circular-shaped church build a high dome and it is the most important preserved structure of its period in Dalmatia.. It was built close to the Roman forum where remnants are only within meters away, in fact it was recorded that some of the ruin remnants were used to build the church. Evidence as can be seen near the base of the walls.
Our Local Guide shared with us that the church has been used for a varied purposes over its life, from a place of worship to temporarily warehouse, archaeological museum and most recently as a concert venue (eg for the annual International Festival of Medieval Renaissance Music).
it's a particularly important cultural relic. The simple and unadorned interior includes two complete Roman columns, recycled from the Forum. Also from the Forum are the paving slabs that were revealed after the original floor was removed.
A pity we do not have the time to explore further this treasured church (interior).
From here we next move to the promenade.Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FTMDaveAdria, Italy7 770 contributionsIt was closed when I went but from outside seemed an interesting church with architecture differing from the other Zadar churches.Written 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
