Zadar is the fifth city in Croatia, with a population of around one hundred thousand. It's a bit of
an undiscovered gem, although not as attractive as Dubrovnik it nonetheless exudes its own charm.
It is particularly noted for its Roman ruins, and some very modern pieces of work down by the waterfront
too.
I first heard of Zadar one week before going there, being one of the influx of tourists on Ryanair's
new route as I was. I was simply looking for somewhere new (and cheap) to go for a weekend, and Zadar
fitted the bill. It was a great little trip, and by renting a car I was able to explore much of
the Dalmatian coast too.
All that is left of Zadar's Roman forum are some broken columns and flooring, seen here in front of
St Donatus Church, which is itself over one thousand years old. The spire of St Anastasia's Cathedral
behind on closer inspection had been very recently rebuilt, possibly as a result of the Balkans War
in the 1990s.
Roman faces remain in the forum grounds.
A large slab still bears some Latin script, clearly talking about someone whose name was Marc. Or possibly
Marcus (Aurelias)?
St Mary's Church, on the other side of the Roman forum square from St Anastasia's Cathedral.
View of old Zadar from the top of the tower of St Anastasia's Cathedral, otherwise known as Zadar Cathedral.
The newer part of Zadar, as seen from the cathedral tower. The Dinaric Alps make a formidable omnipresent
backdrop.
Church in Narodni Trg, one of the first squares you encounter when entering the old city of Zadar.
Another church spire appears round a corner.
Small church and bell tower in a leafier part of the old town.
There's not much to photograph at the Sea Organ, but for the people listening to the strange sound the
pipes make as they are energised by the action of the sea itself. This is a unique site, there is
no other like it.
Next to the Sea Organ is the very modern "Greeting to the Sun", a large disc of solar cells which soak
up energy by day, and release it by night with colourful light show.
Close up of the solar cells in Zadar's Greeting to the Sun.
Statue of an old man, and the sea. Hmm, perhaps there's a story in there somewhere…?
Typical Zadar street, and people enjoying the sun.
Domed building on the campus of Zadar University.
The Five Wells stand in a square in the east of the old town, another of Zadar's signature landmarks.
