Zadar is a Croatian port town nestled among a multitude of national parks and cultural and historical attractions. A top destination for yachting enthusiasts, boaters can travel between the city and the several islands of the Zadar archipelago. A history stretching back over 3000 years has left behind wonderful examples of Roman and Renaissance architecture for the history buff to explore.

 

 

History

Present-day Zadar has been settled since the Stone Age, with the earliest evidence of human habitation dating back to Neolithic times. After Roman occupation during the days of the Western Roman Empire, the area was controlled in turn by many rulers, including the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines, the Franks, the Venetians, the Italians, and the French. However, the Croatian state has controlled the city off and on for much of the last 1000 years.

 

Art & Museums

Zadar is a major center of Croatian culture, and supports a Theatre House, the National Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the University of Zadar (founded in 1396). Historical points of interest in the area include the largest Roman forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic, St. Donatus's Church, constructed in the ninth century, and several well preserved Roman-era churches. Another popular attraction is the sea organ, a huge experimental musical instrument built into the marble steps of the harbor. The waves rolling into the harbor from the Adriatic force air through the organ's pipes, producing random musical chords - music "played" by the sea.

 

Nightlife

Zadar has an array of nightclubs on offer for visitors looking for entertainment after dark. The most popular destinations are right in the old town - from large dance clubs such as The Garden and The Arsenal to tiny bars supporting a flourishing local music scene. Trendy places to be seen cluster around the student quarter, including the Coffee Lounge and Space Lab.

 

How to get there

Flights are regularly scheduled between Zadar and Zagreb, and tourist flights from several major European cities are added during the high season. Ferries also run along the Croatian coast with stops at Zadar. Many visitors take the bus from Zagreb into Zadar. Once in the city, taxies are widely available. Local bus routes also make frequent runs.