Welcome to Zadar’s Old Town, a captivating peninsula on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast where history, culture, and modern charm intertwine. In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a walk through the Old Town, where we see the main sights, including the UNESCO listed city walls. We also visit the green and fish markets. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, plus some personal tips from my 18 years of exploring this incredible city!
History of Zadar’s Old Town
Zadar’s Old Town is a living museum, founded by the Illyrians 3000 years ago and later ruled by the Romans, Venetians, and Italians, among others.
For centuries, the city served as a vital maritime stronghold, largely due to its strategic geographic location. The city walls were constructed to defend against land based attacks, and in the 16th century, they withstood a siege by the Ottomans, who never succeeded in conquering the city.
During World War II, Zadar was severely damaged, with many buildings fully or partially destroyed by bombardments.
Today, the Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant markets, is a place where every corner tells a story. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an Instagram enthusiast, Zadar offers something for everyone. The video showcases iconic spots like the Land Gate, Five Wells Square, and the city walls, as well as modern attractions like the Greetings to the Sun and the Sea Organ.
Top Highlights of Zadar’s Old Town
As shown in our video, we explored every corner of the Old Town. To simplify your trip planning, I’ve listed the key sights below with brief descriptions and practical information.
1. The Land Gate
The Land Gate is where we always begin our tour of the Old Town. This grand entrance, adorned with Venetian lion carvings, marks the gateway to Zadar’s historic heart
Practical Info: Several parking options are available near the Land Gate, making it a convenient starting point if you arrive by car. Note that cars can only drive through the Land Gate in the direction from the Old Town.
2. Five Wells Square
Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the Five Wells Square was crucial during sieges, providing water to the city.
Practical Info: Easily accessible from the Land Gate, it’s a great spot to appreciate Zadar’s defensive history.
3. Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
Adjacent to the Five Wells Square, Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, Croatia’s oldest, is perfect for a relaxing stroll. In the video, I navigate its labyrinth-like paths to reach the top for stunning views.
Practical Info: In the evening, the park is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a drink while soaking in the ambiance.
4. Church of St. Simon and the Chest of Saint Simeon
The Church of St. Simon, one of 16 churches in the Old Town, is renowned for the Chest of Saint Simeon, a 240 kg masterpiece crafted from silver and gold. This remarkable artifact, highlighted in the video, is a must see for history enthusiasts. Learn more about its story here.
Practical Info: Entrance to the church is free of charge, but filming inside is prohibited, as noted in the video.
5. Church of St. Lawrence (Crkva Sv. Lovre)
The Church of St. Lawrence stands out as a unique worldwide attraction, accessible only through the Lovre coffee bar, as showcased in the video. Yes, you read that correctly, a historic 11th-century church tucked behind a modern cafe!
Practical Info: Entrance is free of charge, and it’s a perfect spot for a coffee break with a cultural twist.
6. People’s Square (Narodni Trg)
The People’s Square is the vibrant heart of the Old Town, featuring the Lovre coffee bar, City Hall, City Lodge, and City Guard. The large candelabras, replicas of Zadar’s first electric light bulbs, add historical charm. The main street, Kalelarga, officially begins here, as mentioned in the video.
7. Roman Forum and St. Donat’s Church
The Roman Forum, dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries, is the heart of Zadar’s ancient history. It’s part of the Zadar Episcopal Complex, on UNESCO’s tentative list since 2005.
The complex includes St. Donat’s Church (a 9th-century pre-Romanesque gem), St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Zmajevic Seminary, the Orthodox Church of St. Elias, the Benedictine Nunnery with St. Mary’s Church and its Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art, and the Archaeological Museum.
8. St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and Bell Tower
Climbing the bell tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, as shown in the video, offers breathtaking views of the Old Town, Ugljan Island, and beyond. The €4 entrance fee is worth every cent for the 360-degree panorama. Note: The stairs are narrow, so be prepared for a cozy climb, especially if you’re tall!
For an additional 1 Euro, you can buy a combi ticket which also gives you access to St. Anastasias Cathedral, the largest in Dalmatia.
9. The Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun
No trip to Zadar is complete without experiencing the Sea Organ, an architectural wonder from 2005 that plays music as waves crash through its pipes. Nearby, the Greetings to the Sun, a 22-meter circle of solar panels, transforms into a vibrant LED light show at night. Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for a magical experience, as the video aims to capture. Check the weather forecast for calm seas to hear the Sea Organ at its best.
10. Markets and Local Flavors
The green and fish markets are a foodie’s paradise. As mentioned in the video, the best time to visit is before 9 a.m. for the freshest produce, like Pag cheese and wild asparagus. For a true Croatian experience, buy fresh seafood and have it cleaned at the market’s service counter. Note: There are 6 other green markets in Zadar
11. UNESCO City Walls
The Zadar city wall was added to the UNESCO list in 2017. The wall encloses the old town from the northeastern corner to the southwestern corner. As you see in the video, you can walk on the wall.
Considering the 40 Euro price tag for walking the wall in Dubrovnik, it seems unreal that you can walk the wall in Zadar for free!
12. Captain’s Tower
The Captain’s tower is located on the square of the 5 wells. We visited the tower for an entrance fee of 3 Euro, but after visiting the Bell Tower of the Cathedral, I would not recommend visiting the Captain’s Tower additionally.
13. Barkajoli, the Rowing Boatmen of Zadar
One thing we did not manage in our video was to take a trip with the Barkajoli, which is a boatman rowing you in a small boat from the old town peninsula to the mainland (Distance about 70 metres), but this is for sure something to try out. The price per person should be 2 or maybe 3 Euros.
Museums and Summer Events in Zadar’s Old Town
Zadar’s Old Town is packed with over 10 museums, each telling a piece of this city’s incredible story. Some, like the Archaeological Museum near the Roman Forum, have permanent displays of ancient artifacts, while others mix it up with changing exhibitions. Want to plan your museum visits? Check out the full list on the Zadar tourist board’s website here.
During the summer season, the Old Town comes alive with all sorts of events—think street food festivals, concerts in St. Donat’s Church, or even the Wings for Life race, as we mentioned in the video. There’s always something going on, especially in the evening at places like Trg Petra Zoranica on the city walls, or at Arsenal. To catch what’s happening during your trip, visit the tourist board’s website for the latest event schedule here.
Practical Tips for Visiting Zadar
- Getting Around: Zadar’s Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, but cars can circle the old town and exit by the Land Gate, as highlighted in the video. The city’s bus system, Uber, and Bolt make exploring beyond the Old Town easy.
- Fast ferries to many islands depart from the port next to the city wall.
- The bus to the Zadar airport departs next to the city wall. (And also from the main bus station)
- Accommodation: Stay in the Old Town for a historic vibe or opt for apartments in areas like Borik or Diklo for beaches and modern amenities. Ferries to Ugljan Island, running up to 30 times daily, offer a unique stay option.
- Day Trips: Don’t miss a boat trip to the Kornati Islands and the Telašćica Nature Park, as suggested in the video. Book through local agencies near the Nova Gate for the best deals.
Personal Reflections
Having visited Zadar since 2006, I’ve witnessed its transformation into a bustling tourist hub, with 1.6 million visitors arriving via its airport last year. My family and I have our traditions, like enjoying one ice cream per day (a rule my girls and I swear by!) and starting our tours at Foša port and the Land Gate. The Old Town’s charm lies in its blend of history and modernity—whether it’s sipping coffee in an 11th-century church turned cafe or capturing Instagram worthy shots by the red house at Foša.
Plan Your Visit
Zadar’s Old Town is compact yet packed with experiences. Follow the route in the video, from the Land Gate to the Sea Organ, and don’t skip the bell tower climb for a bird’s-eye view. For more inspiration, watch the full YouTube video above and check out our playlist for more Zadar adventures. Have you visited Zadar or have a favorite spot in the Old Town? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more travel guides!
