🏛️ Top 10 Monumental Sights in Zadar
🚶 Self-guided Old Town Walk
⏱ Duration: ~60–90 minutes
📍 Start: Upper City Apartment
📍 End: Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun
Buttons:
(Use a Google Maps walking directions link)
☀️ Best in morning
1️⃣ Church of St. Donatus
Description:
Built in the 9th century, this iconic cylindrical pre-Romanesque church stands on the ruins of the ancient Roman forum. Its unusual round shape, thick walls and gallery above derive from early Byzantine designs — but it also incorporates stone from the forum beneath.
Why it’s worth a stop:
One of Zadar’s most recognisable buildings, offering beautiful photo-ops.
The floor lifts up in parts to reveal the ancient Roman pavement underneath — a real “layers of history” moment.
In summer evenings the space is used for concerts, thanks to its unique acoustics.
📍Google Maps – Church of St. Donatus
☀️ Best in morning
2️⃣Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Description:
This is the largest church in Dalmatia, built in the Romanesque style during the 12th-13th centuries on earlier Christian foundations. With twin rose windows (one Romanesque, one Gothic) and a separate bell-tower that visitors can climb, it blends history and views.
Why it’s worth a stop:
The climbing of the bell-tower offers panoramic views over Zadar, the sea and nearby islands. Culture Tourist
Inside, rich medieval and Renaissance details — altars, carvings and a sense of grand age.
📍Google Maps – Cathedral of St. Anastasia
☀️ Best in morning
👥 Busy in peak hours
3️⃣Roman Forum
Description:
Dating from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, the Forum was once the heart of Roman public and commercial life here. Remnants of columns, stone pavement blocks and stairs remain scattered within the Old Town.
Why it’s worth a stop:
Walking through the forum gives you a tangible connection to Roman Zadar.
It sits right under the buildings of the old town, so you’ll often find ruins popping up unexpectedly amid cafés and alleyways.
📍 Google Maps – Roman Forum Zadar
☀️ Best in morning
4️⃣Land Gate (Zadar) & the City Walls
Description:
Part of the largest city-fortress on the Adriatic under Venetian rule, Zadar’s walls and gates protected a vital port between Venice and the east. The Land Gate, built in 1543 by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli, is a fine Renaissance triumphal arch complete with side-arches and the winged lion of St. Mark.
Why it’s worth a stop:
A dramatic entry point into the Old Town — perfect for “walk through history”.
From here you can explore the walls, bastions and vantage points over the harbour.
📍 Google Maps – Land Gate Zadar
☀️ Best in morning
🍷 After your walk
Grab a drink or dinner nearby.
5️⃣Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara)
Description:
On top of a former Venetian bastion stands this square, distinguished by five beautifully carved Venetian-style well-heads aligned side-by-side. Built during the 16th century Turkish siege era, it’s a peaceful and atmospheric spot, somewhat hidden within the Old Town.
Why it’s worth a stop:
A more relaxed monument: quieter but full of character.
Great for a casual coffee stop or shady rest under the trees above the walls.
📍 Google Maps – Five Wells Square
🌙 Best at night
6️⃣Sea Organ
Description:
A modern monument of sound: designed by architect Nikola Bašić, this installation (2005) consists of a set of white marble steps descending into the sea. Submerged pipes create music from the motion of the waves.
Why it’s worth a stop:
One of Zadar’s most memorable experiences — sit, listen and watch as the sea plays its own concert.
Best enjoyed at sunset with a gentle breeze and the city skyline behind you.
📍Google Maps – Sea Organ Zadar
🌙 Best at night
🍷 After your walk
7️⃣Monument to the Sun (Greeting to the Sun)
Description:
Situated adjacent to the Sea Organ, this is a 22-metre diameter glass-and-solar installation representing the sun, with smaller circles as planets. At night the photovoltaic elements light up in a colorful show.
Why it’s worth a stop:
A striking blend of art, technology and the Adriatic view — great for evening strolls.
Kids and adults alike enjoy walking over the plates and watching the lights emerge as dusk falls.
📍 Google Maps – Monument to the Sun Zadar
☀️ Best in morning
8️⃣Kalelarga (Wide Street)
Description:
Known also as the “Wide Street”, Kalelarga traces the route of the ancient Roman decumanus maximus through Zadar’s Old Town. Lined with cafés, shops and history, it’s older than much of the city’s visible architecture.
Why it’s worth a stop:
Walking this street gives you a feel for the layers of Zadar’s life — Roman, Venetian, modern.
Great for integrating into your guide as a “stroll this street and feel the city”.
📍 Google Maps – Kalelarga Zadar
☀️ Best in morning
9️⃣Monastery of St. Francis Assisi (Zadar)
Description:
Founded around 1221 and consecrated in 1282, this Franciscan monastery’s church is the oldest Gothic church in Dalmatia. Wikipedia It has been a centre of religious life, learning and culture in Zadar for centuries.
Why it’s worth a stop:
For guests interested in quiet corners and less-touristed historic gems.
The mix of Gothic architecture within a Dalmatian coastal town is a nice contrast to the beachfront monuments.
📍 Google Maps – Monastery of St. Francis Assisi Zadar
🤫 Quiet most of the day
🔟Novigrad Castle (Fortica) – Zadar County (Day-Trip Monument)
Description:
Sitting above the village of Novigrad in Zadar County, the hill-top Novigrad Castle (also called Fortica) has ruins that trace back to a Bronze Age hillfort, then Roman, then medieval times.
Why it’s worth a stop:
A great suggestion for guests who have a car or want to explore outside Zadar.
The views from the hilltop are expansive, and the sense of stepping out of town and into history is powerful.
📍 Google Maps – Novigrad Castle Zadar County
Ready for your next adventure
Try some local food, and drinks.
🤍 Need help?
Not sure what to choose or how to get there?
Message us anytime — we’re happy to help 😊