MissViaggio
in Zadar
Zadar is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and famous for its beautiful sunsets - Alfred Hitchcock himself once proclaimed that the sunsets here are the most beautiful ones in the world, even more beautiful than the ones in Florida. But Zadar clearly has more to offer.
Day 1 - The Arrival
If you were to ask me today, I could not tell you why I chose Zadar, of all places, as my first Croatian travel destination. I guess I thought 740 miles would be pretty manageable and besides, I just wanted to spend my first evening on the Adriatic coast, walking up and down the waterfront promenade, listening to the sea organ and soothing waves, while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets ever (btw just as beautiful as the sunset in Bosa, Sardinia). If I were to choose again, I would definitely stay in Zadar once more - and not only because of the magical sunset.
How to Spend One Day in Zadar?
Start your day with a free walking tour through the Old Town
Listen to the sea organ and walk the waterfront promenade
Buy some local food at the farmer's market
Visit St. Donatus Church and discover the pillars originating from the ruins of the Roman Forum
Take a stroll through the Queen Jelena Madije Park and have a look at the city's fortifications (the walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Climb the Bell Tower at sunset and enjoy a scenic view far into the countryside and to the islands
Day 2 - Old Town
It's my first morning in Croatia and I feel fit and ready to join my first free walking tour. If you happened to read one of my earlier blog entries, then you already know that I love free walking tours. For me they are the best (and most convenient) way to get in touch with a city - and with its locals, of course.
Our guide Tanja who was born in Zagreb but moved to Zadar eleven years ago is just as excited as we are to walk the streets of her lovely new home town. And to be honest, what's not to love about Zadar? It's full of history, has beautiful landmarks and also happens to be the city where the Croatian sovereignty was established. So, let me share some insights about Zadar.
1. Roman Forum
The Roman Forum which marks the core of the Old City was built almost two millennia ago. An earthquake destroyed the Roman basilica that once stood on the forum. Instead of rebuilding it, the stones were used to build other houses.
2. Column of Shame
An old, weathered column stands just a few feet from Saint Donatus on the grounds of the historic forum square. In the Middle Ages, the column was used as a place of public punishment which is why it's called the Column of Shame. For minor and major offenses, people were chained to the column, humiliated and whipped. People were even allowed to throw eggs, vegetables and stones at the troublemakers, which not everyone survived.
3. Five Wells Square
Right at the entrance to Queen Yelena Madije Park is the Five Wells Square, where - guess what - there are five wells in a row. They were built during a siege in the 16th century to provide large amounts of water to the population.
4. Zadar City Walls
For centuries, the city walls, officially called "Walls of Zadar Uprisings" (after the eleven uprisings against the Venetian authorities), provided reliable protection for the citizens of the city. Five years ago, the walls have been included in the World Heritage List.
5. Saint Donatus church
The Church of St. Donatus has one of the most unusual shapes I have ever seen. It is built on the foundations of the former forum and its ornaments mostly originate from the ruins of the Roman Forum. Inside St. Donatus visitors find two decorative pillars from that time.
5. Bell Tower
The bell tower of St. Anastasia, located in the center next to St. Donatus, offers visitors a magnificent view on the Old Town. If you not afraid of heights, it is definitely worth climbing the many stairs to the spire of the belfry and enjoy the view over the countryside and the islands.
Good to Know
Old Town Tour: The tour starts at the Forum (10:00 AM) and usually takes 1,5 hours. Booking is required to keep groups small and safe. To get more information, click here.
Saint Donatus: Admission for adults is 20 kuna (ca. 2,50 EUR).
Bell Tower: Admission is 15 kuna (ca. 2 EUR).
Gluten-free dinner: The Hedonist offers gluten-free options. Just ask the waiters.