Zadar

Zadar is a historic city located on the coast of Croatia, known for its diverse cultural and natural heritage.

History of Zadar.

Zadar has a very long and diverse history. Evidence of settlement in its region dates back to the Neolithic, but the city itself was founded by the Illyrians in the 9th century BC.

In 59 BC, Zadar (then known as Iadera) became a Roman colony; the Romans expanded the city, adding many Roman structures such as a forum, baths and an aqueduct. After the fall of Rome, Zadar was successively ruled by Byzantium, the Franks, and later Croatia.

In the Middle Ages the city was an important commercial center, as evidenced by the wealth of architecture from that period, especially its churches and palaces. Zadar was also a target of the Fourth Crusade and was briefly ruled by Venice.

During World War II the city was heavily damaged by bombings, but after the war it was rebuilt. Today Zadar is a popular tourist destination, known both for its historical sites and its beautiful beaches.

Interesting facts about Zadar

1. Zadar is known for "Sea Organ\", a unique art installation that uses the power of sea waves to create music. Next to it is another installation by the same artist - \"Greeting to the Sun\".
2. Zadar has many historic churches. The most important of them is the Church of St. Donatus from the 9th century, which is one of the most significant examples of pre-Romanesque architecture in Europe.
3. Many scenes from the popular Croatian soap opera "Na granicy" were filmed at this location.
4. In 2016 Zadar was chosen by "Lonely Planet" as one of the best places to visit.
5. Zadar is known for its Pag cheese, one of the most prized cheeses in Croatia.

Zadar is home to the Museum of Illusions, which is a popular destination for tourists seeking unusual experiences.

Legends of Zadar:

Legend of St. Donatus:

According to legend, St. Donatus, the patron of Zadar, was a bishop in the 4th century. During the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Donatus was imprisoned and sentenced to death. He was thrown into a heated furnace but emerged unharmed. He was then beheaded with a sword.

After Donatus's death his body was buried in Zadar. In the 8th century Donatus's relics were moved to a new cathedral built in his honor. The Cathedral of St. Donatus is one of Zadar's most distinctive landmarks.

Legend of the sea maiden Lamia:

Lamia was a beautiful sea maiden who lived in the sea near Zadar. One day she fell in love with a young fisherman named Marko. Lamia rose from the sea and promised Marko wealth and happiness if he would marry her. Marko agreed and Lamia took him to her underwater palace.

Marko lived happily with Lamia for many years, but he missed his family and friends. One day Marko asked Lamia to allow him to return to land. Lamia agreed, but on the condition that Marko never tell anyone about her existence.

Marko returned to land and married another woman. He forgot the promise he had made to Lamia and told his friends about her. Lamia was furious and placed a curse on Marko and his family.

Marko and his family were struck by many misfortunes. Marko realized that his misfortunes were caused by breaking his promise to Lamia. He returned to the sea and begged Lamia for forgiveness. Lamia forgave Marko and lifted the curse from his family.

Legend of the founding of Zadar:

According to legend, Zadar was founded by the Greek hero Diomedes. Diomedes was one of the Greek leaders who fought in the Trojan War. After the war ended, Diomedes went into exile and reached the shores of Dalmatia.

Diomedes founded a town on the island of Ugljan, but the town was destroyed by pirates. Diomedes moved to the mainland and founded a new town, which he named Zadar.

Legend has it that Diomedes brought the Palladium, a sacred image of Athena, with him to Zadar, which was meant to protect the city from destruction. The Palladium is kept in the Cathedral of St. Donatus in Zadar.

Legend of Queen Jelena:
According to this legend, Queen Jelena was the wife of King Krešimir, who ruled over Zadar in the 11th century. She was known for her beauty and kindness of heart. However, after her husband's death, Queen Jelena fell into melancholy and solitude. It is said that her soul still wanders the streets of Zadar in the form of a white wild horse. In some versions of the legend, Queen Jelena is also seen in a ghostly form, searching for her husband along the coast.

Legend of the Offering of My Mother (Greeting to the Sun):
This legend tells of water spirits that inhabited the waters of Zadar. According to the legend, these spirits were very complex and posed a threat to fishermen and sailors. However, when a local sage discovered the secret of the Offering of My Mother, a powerful prayer whose melody calmed the water spirits, the situation changed. Sailors began to sing this prayer on their boats to ensure a safe voyage, and the water spirits stopped being dangerous to people.

Keywords for Zadar:

General:

• Croatia
• Zadar
• Dalmatia
• Adriatic Coast
• Holidays in Croatia
• Old Town
• Adriatic Sea
• Beaches

Attractions:

• Greeting to the Sun
• Sea Organ, Zadar
• Roman Forum
• Church of St. Donatus
• Cathedral of St. Anastasia
• Archaeological Museum
• Glass Museum
• Ugljan Island
• Kornati National Park

Legends:

• St. Donatus
• Lamia, the sea maiden
• Founding of Zadar

Additional keywords:

• Trips
• Attractions for kids
• Attractions for families
• Accommodation
• Restaurants
• Festivals
• Concerts