Best Tourist Attractions in Zadar
The Roman Forum is one of Zadar's most important landmarks and one of the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Other must-see attractions in Zadar include the Museum of Illusions, Church of St. Donatus, Sea Organ, People's Square and Greetings to the Sun.
Make sure to take a walk down Kalelarga, the main street of Zadar's historic peninsula. Let the intriguing story of the city reveal itself with every step you take.
The Sea Organ in Zadar (Croatian: Morske orgulje) is a one-of-a-kind musical installation on the Old Town waterfront where the Adriatic Sea “plays” the instrument for you. Sit on the broad stone steps, listen as the tones rise and fade with the waves, and if you can, stay through sunset for Zadar’s most memorable, free experience.
If you are building your itinerary, start with our Zadar travel guide and browse more highlights in Zadar attractions.
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Greetings to the Sun is Zadar’s iconic waterfront light installation, set into the Riva promenade beside the Sea Organ. Visit around sunset and stay after dark to watch the 22-metre "Sun" come alive with shifting LED patterns as you look out over the Zadar Channel and islands.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: Greetings to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu), Zadar: best time to visit + tips
Although partially overrun by buildings, Zadar's Roman forum is the most faithful image of an ancient city - not because of preserved ancient buildings (as in Pula for example) but because its undisturbed layout.
It's the largest forum in Croatia (95m by 45m), commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Augustus, as evidenced by two inscriptions in stone from the 3rd century which were placed upon completion.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
The street older than the city, once the Via Magna, Strada Grande, Ruga Magistra and since Venetian times the Calle Larga, the street which runs along the south edge of the Narodni trg ("People's Square").
It follows the trail of the main longitudinal Roman street (decumanus maximus) that linked the defensive city gates on the present Petar Zoranić square with the Forum and Capitol.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić