Zadar Landmarks and Monuments

(Zadar, Northern Dalmatia, Croatia)

Zadar has a diverse collection of landmarks and sights to see, although most are of the ancient kind and will appeal more to adults than families with young children. The city is called home by an inordinate number of churches, considering its size, with the St. Anastasia Cathedral being its undisputed crowning glory.

The churches of St. Chrysogonus, St. Donat, St. Mary and St. Simeon are some of the most impressive churches in Zadar. If you have the time, it is a sensible idea to take to your feet and wander around the maze of streets in the Old Town, enjoying its plentiful historical sights and characterful buildings.

St. Chrysogonus Church / St. Grisogonus Church (Crkva Svetog Krsevana)

Address: Brne Krnarutica, Zadar, Croatia, HR
St. Chrysogonus Church is located on the peninsula in the Old Town and lies just a short distance to the north of the Forum. This 12th-century Romanesque church began its life as part of a Benedictine monastery and comes with a high altar, curving stonework and detailed Byzantine frescoes, the best of which live in the northern apse. The church has stark lines, like so many others in Zadar, yet still has lots of arches and columns.
Open hours: usually closed to tourists, open for masses only
Admission: free

Church of St. Simeon (Crkva Svetog Sime)

Address: Trg Sime Budinica, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 211 705
Although a relatively young church on Zadar's scale, being built in the 16th century and completed in the 17th century, the Church of St. Simeon is nonetheless impressive. Chiefly, it is home to a 14th-century silver casket with the remains of patron saint St. Simeon, a fantastic work of art in its own right. The casket rests on the church altar and is held up by bronze angels. St. Simeon (St. Simon) is honoured on October 8th, when visitors get to see his mummified body.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 12:00, 18:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Church of St. Mary (Crkva Svete Marije)

Address: Zeleni Trg, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 611 576
The Church and Monastery of St. Mary is another one of Zadar's selection of impressive historic churches. Built by Juraj Dalmatinac, this is primarily a Gothic structure originating from the 11th century, although as you admire the architecture you will notice that it displays various styles and subsequent additions. There is a Gothic wooden crucifix inside the church, along with sculptures, sacral art and various religious golden treasures. The 12th-century Koloman's Bell Tower is the most distinctive feature, with its Romanesque architecture and pyramidical roof.
Open hours: May to September, daily - 09:00 to 12:00, 17:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

St. Anastasia Cathedral (Katedrala Svete Stosije)

Address: Trg Svete Stosije 1, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 251 708
St. Anastasia Cathedral and Bell Tower is perhaps the most impressive sight in Zadar, set about ten minutes walk away from the Old Town Peninsula and especially noted for its wonderful Romanesque facade. Building of the cathedral commenced way back in the 1100s and today the Katedrala Svete Stosije is touted as being the largest in the whole of Dalmatia. Highlights include its three doors and arches, as well as the marble sarcophagus, the colourful frescoes, the main altar and the lofty bell tower. During the Second World War, St. Anastasia Cathedral suffered much bomb damage, although was reconstructed and restored soon after, returning it to its original glory.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Church of St. Donat (Crkva Svetog Donata)

Address: Zeleni Trg / Simuna Kozicica Benje, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 250 516
St. Donat's resides amid the ruins of the Roman Forum, out on the Old Town Peninsula, where it ranks amongst Dalmatia's most important landmarks, being named after its founder, Bishop Donat. This Byzantine austere structure hails from the early part of the 9th century and is quite wonderful, with its clean lines, circular ground plan and fortress-like style. Although St. Donat's hasn't been used for mass for a couple hundred years, evening concerts are held here during the summer. The inside is starker than the exterior, while Roman ruins lay around and about the structure.
Open hours: March to October, daily - 09:30 to 14:00, 16:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Franciscan Monastery and Church (Samostan Svetog Frane)

Address: Zadarskog Mira 1358, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 250 468
The oldest Gothic church residing in Croatia's historic region of Dalmatia, the Franciscan Monastery and Church was founded in 1280 and is enhanced by its Renaissance detailing and ornate elements. Look out for the Chapel of St. Anthony and its wooden crucifix, dating all the way back to the 15th century. An important feature is the church's memorial tablet, remembering the treaty of 1358, when King Ludovic of Croatia-Hungary claimed his rights to Dalmatia from the hands of the Republic of Venice.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 12:00, 16:30 to 18:00
Admission: free

University of Zadar

Address: Mihovila Pavlinovica, Zadar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 023 200 501
Located close to the Port Gate and the Trg Svete Stosije, the city's university was formally established in 2002 and has quickly grown in size, now accommodating more than 500 staff and over 6,000 students. The university has some 20 different departments, covering topics such as archaeology, art history, languages, marine biology, philosophy, Slavic studies and sciences.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free