Zadar, so small, yet so magnificent. More than 3000 years of history are encompassed within its walls. Destroyed and devastated more than once, each time rising from the ashes more beautiful and stronger.
Zadar was first mentioned in 4th century BC as a colony of the Illyrian tribe Liburnians under the name Jadera. Even today In Zadar and its surrounding areas there are remnants of the Illyrian tribes. City walls stretch around Zadar peninsula protecting the city since the 12th century. The walls were reinforced in the 16th century when they were put to use protecting the Venetians from the Turkish conquerors. In the old part of town there is also a St. Donat's church, built in the 9th century. Close by there are also remains of romantic period church St. Maria and Cathedral of St. Anastasia from the 10th century. In the 12th century was the start of the build of gothic churches, like St. Francis and St. Dominic. Zadar peninsula is filled with monuments and cultural heritage of different historical periods and cultures. Walking outside of the Zadar city walls there are newer attractions to see, like the Greeting to the Sun and the Sea organ, where the most beautiful sunsets in the world may be enjoyed while listening to the melodies of the sea.
In the reflection of the sea surface rises the view of the islands of which the city is proud, while its back is guarded by the magnificent Velebit mountain. Long time ago, Zadar was surrounded by the fields its people cultivated and so encouraged the growth of wealth. To this day the legacy of our ancestors can be found, numerous stone houses that due to a very special way of construction have been preserved to this day, as well as olive groves and vineyards.
In the immediate vicinity of Zadar there are a number of national parks and nature parks that are worth visiting. National park Paklenica is located 40 km from Zadar, they call it the place where the mountain touches the sea, a nature park where you can go hiking and climbing to enjoy fresh mountain air in the middle of the summer, but right afterwards go to the beach and swim in the cleanest sea.
Nature park Vransko lake is also situated near Zadar, the largest lake in Croatia, a rare combination of wetland soil and karst, where you can explore a rich avian world.
Dalmatia and its roads let the visitor have beautiful relaxed drives with the overview of natural wealth and cultural heritage, supreme experience easily attainable with a rental car.
Whomsoever experiences it once will always gladly return.
