Zadar, 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.