Zadar The Big Attraction Of Croatia

Zadar is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe, harmoniously combining the simplicity of nature with the flawless “imprint” of history. It is located in the Balkans and, in particular, in Croatia, just a few kilometers away from the country’s two megacities Rijeka and split. It is a city of close to 75.000 inhabitants and is located in the coastal zone of the country ”washed” by the Adriatic. The main feature of Zadar is the Old City, where the most significant interest of tourists and renowned scholars of ancient monuments is concentrated.

1. A medieval “Oasis”
   The Old Town of Zadar is built around a peninsula and is surrounded by large and admirable walls which date back to the 15th century. It was the time when the powerful Venetians had just captured the city and wanted these famous walls to protect themselves from the effects of the Ottomans. Their pretentiousness and fairly good preservation forced UNESCO to declare them a World Heritage Site. Access to the Old Town is only possible from the small port of Fosa, a few miles outside the modern town. This port is also the terminal for visitors’ cars, as the Old Town is crossed exclusively by pedestrians. The Gate of the Earth, as its creators called it 500 years ago, is the entrance. It is a magnificent gate that bears the famous lion of St. Mark and already foreshadows the traveler for the medieval beauty hidden inside. On the way, there are still two arches, distinctly smaller than the main one, with the names St. Rocco’s Gate and Sea Gate, and they are equally beautifully structured.
2. The historical center
   The Old City is called the historical center of Dalmatia and not unfairly. Full of historical monuments of great archaeological and cultural importance, Zadar offers a large number of activities and attractions to “thirsty” tourists. Start with the Cathedral of St. Donatus, built during Byzantine near the 9th century. Its architecture is quite reminiscent of pre-Romanesque type temples, and the main attraction of the Church is characterized by its imposing bell tower. The Cathedral of St. Donatus holds the primacy of the largest temple in the country and is essential for the locals as it is the symbol of Zadar. Next is the Church of St. Anastasia. Its construction dates back to about the 10th century. Its architecture refers to a Gothic style and went through many phases of reconstructions and renovations – the last one was completed in 1989 – to take the form of today. Despite the disasters it has suffered over the years, it is considered quite well preserved and has kept many of its medieval features intact, such as its beautiful bell tower. It is justly listed among UNESCO World Heritage sites. An equally spectacular medieval-style attraction is the famous Gradska Loza building, which is based on people’s square, the large and most popular square of the Old City. It stands out for its giant namesake clock located at the city’s top.
3. The museums of Zadar
   Zadar is a pre-eminent historic city, and the leaders of its administration and the residents themselves know it better than anyone. That is why the historicity of the city and the medieval “wind” that it exudes are supported and maintained methodically and over time.  In addition to the Museum of Art and the Archaeological Museum, where souvenirs of archaeological types are available, there is the glass museum. In it, there is various glassware of the Roman era, such as jars and glasses, which testify a lot about the simple everyday habits of the Romans of the late archaeological period.
4. A tourist paradise
   Zadar is famous for its excellent atmosphere in the entertainment sector as well. This also proves the award of the best tourist destination of Europe 2016 with which the Croatian city was “anointed.” A large number of shops along the city offer the opportunity to its visitors to enjoy their coffee or drink in excellent quality cafes and in ideal locations, to do their shopping and choose souvenirs among numerous and diverse kinds of shops but also to taste the local delicacies in the restaurants of the city.
5. The city of surprises and musical events
   The already attractive atmosphere that prevails on the Croatian Peninsula is often pleasantly “disturbed” by music festivals and celebrations where in the summer months, they find fertile ground. These festivals extend to almost all genres of music – from classical music and concerts to jazz, rock, and metal and enable the visitor to enjoy their favorite music in an idyllic summer landscape. Zadar often organizes outdoor theatrical performances for lovers of theatrical art, even in its narrow sidewalks, which are accessible to all.
   One finds it difficult to believe that such a small cut-off part of the Balkans and Croatia can be the “Promised Land” for every visitor who wants to invest in their holidays. As evidenced by the awards and international accolades, as well as increasing tourism ROI, Zadar in recent years has deservedly won the title of one of the most must-see destinations of the “Old Continent”.