Zadar

Zadar is a city located in the southwestern part of Croatia, along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It faces the Zadar Strait and is across the islands of Ugljan and Pašman. It is considered to be the fifth largest city in the country and is situated within the Dalmatian region.

Sights & Activities

One of the interesting attractions of the city is the Zadar Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts collected within Dalmatia. Most of the collections are displayed in chronological order that allows visitors to learn about the general history of the area.
The Cathedral of Anastasia is located within the city’s historic center and is an impressive structure that was built in the 9th century. Originally of Byzantine style of architecture, it had undergone numerous reconstructions and rebuilding to become what it is today, a structure bearing a combination of styles and designs. The cathedral contains the remains of its patron saint and has to rose windows, one Gothic in design and the other decidedly Romanesque. Visitors can climb its bell tower for scenic views of the city and of the Zadar Strait.
Another religious structure that also underwent several reconstructions is the Church of St. Mary, originally built in the 11th century. It now has a Renaissance façade with a bell tower constructed in Romanesque design. This tower is also known among the locals as the Koloman’s Tower and was built in the 12th century. Adjacent to the church is the Museum of Sacred Art, which displays interesting items with religious themes such as paintings, sculptures, and even gold coins.
Another structure worth exploring is the Church of St. Chrysogonus, a Romanesque building that was constructed in the 12th century. A monastery used to lie adjacent to it, though it was destroyed during World War II. Among the church’s highlights are the main altar decorated in Baroque art, the 13th century frescoes adorning the apse, and a crucifix that was also identified to be of Romanesque style.
Those interested in beholding examples of Byzantine architecture should head out to the Church of St. Donat. This large structure was built in the 9th century atop the site of a Roman forum. In fact, some parts of the forum have been incorporated into the church’s architecture, such as the exposed stonework on the floor. The rest of the ruins of the Roman forum can still be seen in present times, which is composed of building foundations and a Corinthian column. The area is well-lit at night for visitors and locals who wish to wander around this ancient site that was identified to be constructed as early as during the 1st century BC.
Visitors should not leave Zadar without stopping by the Church of St. Simeon, where the golden sarcophagus of the saint is located. Inside the sarcophagus is a cedar coffin inlaid with reliefs depicting the life of the saint. The church’s altar is also richly decorated and is also an interesting sight to behold.
On the People’s Square is a clock tower that was built during the 18th century and now houses an ethnographic museum.
Some parts of the city are still enclosed by walls which were built by Romans and subsequently by the Venetians. There are four ancient city gates in Zadar that had survived the passage of time and are worth visiting, if only to contemplate on how long that city had continued to exist.

Weather

Like the rest of the areas along the Adriatic coast, Zadar has a Mediterranean climate full of sunny days. Summer is dry and hot, with temperature peaking sometime in the month of August. Winter is mild, though marked with frequent rain showers. January is considered the coldest month in the city, though the average temperature is just about 7°C during this time. Spring and autumn are still the best seasons to visit Zadar, although those who hate damp weather should avoid staying till the end of October, when rain occurs more frequently.