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It may have taken centuries for various civilisations to create the modern day Zadar. But, we have 5-7 days to soak in the the uniqueness and beauty left behind by the Luburnians; Romans; Byzantine’s; and Venetians.
So before your stay at O’live Residence, let us help you with your planning. As a result, we have shortlisted a few the historical and cultural foundations of Zadar.
Found in the centre of Zadar old town, St Donatus is the largest pre-Romanesque structure in Croatia. Furthermore, most of its ornaments originate from the nearby Roman forum. The forum was built between the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD.
The church of St Donutas is the center piece of the old town Zadar. It’s where your discovery of Zadar will begin.
A great location by day and fantastic by night.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/igCbKU6izeV8AR8y7
Visit the monastery of the Benedictine nun’s in Zadar, the guardians of the treasure of Zadar. Whose history stems back from the Byzantine empire.
During the 1943 the city of Zadar was bombed by the allies. Consequently, the Benedictine’s showed their resourcefulness by hiding Zadar’s treasure. A large hole was dug under the church bell tower. As a result, the treasure was saved.
Be amazed by the preservation of the ancient old treasure.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/EbHcd5uePdP1AV6t9
An archeological museum that specializes in ancient glass. A unique museum not only to Croatia but the world.
It has on display over 5000 unique glass objects dating back to antiquity. As well, it offers various occasions workshops on glass and glassblowing.
Unique and fascinating, and almost a stone’s throw from O’live Residence.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/b5KU6GSGX2mMvW5n8
The Chest of Saint Simeon is a rectangular cedar wood sarcophagus in the shape of a chasse. It is overlaid with silver and silver-gilt plaques. It holds the relics of St Simon the God-receiver. Located over the main altar in the Church of Saint Simeon in Zadar.
The top of the chest contains the mummified body of the silver-crowned bearded saint. Once a year the mummified body is displayed to the public. He is enclosed behind a sheet of transparent glass, and elevated above the main altar. The sarcophagus’ interior is full of precious gifts given by Elizabeth of Bosnia.
More on St Simeon: Chest of Saint Simeon – Wikipedia
The square of five wells in Zadar was built in 1574 during the siege of the Ottoman Empire. Consequently, it was the source of the towns fresh water supply.
It is decorated with five wreaths or wells (hence the name), linked to an aqueduct that brought water directly from Lake Vrana. It provided fresh water to the fortified town. With the passing of danger, the aqueduct was dismantled and a protective wall was built on the site.
Today, you will find a large park on the west side. The park is great vantage point to sit back and ponder on centuries old history. Just imagine the civilization, world powers and folk that had walked the cobble stone roads of Zadar.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/s9QYsJhB9nNPpwKp8
Found south of O’live Residence, roughly a 25min drive, you will find the most western building from the ottoman empire, not far from the Vrana lake. Today it’s a boutique hotel, where it’s history is safely presevred.
Built by Jusuf Mašković, originally from Vrana, a high dignitary on the Sultan’s court and a supreme admiral of the Turkish fleet, wanted to build his luxurious and modern summer house Han in eastern style for his return from Constantinople to his homeland.
It started in 1644 and over 500 workers worked on it every day. But Mašković never got to see it. A year later, along with 60,000 soldiers, he conquered Crete. The nobility he showed to the Venetian soldiers did not lay well with the sultan (Murat IV.)who summoned him to the court where Mašković was executed.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZC6QyoeMmwfduDJo8
If you’re taking the trip to the wineries in the Zadar hinterland, then its certainly worth your while to make a stop at the old Roman city of Asseria.
Over two thousand years ago, the Liburnia region was ruled by the city of Asseria. A pre-Iron age city, inhabited by an illyrian tribe prior to the Romans, Asseria was situated on a hill 234m above sea level controlling pastures throughout the Zadar region.
Today, all that remains are its ancient megalithic walls, remnants exposing a powerful and wealthy city. It is still being unearthed by local archaeologists (at a slow pace), but is open for all to visit and see. One definitely for history buffs.
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/qGhqKowbdvC6xAs56
To find out more about the museums; guided cultural tours or any thing else on Zadar, feel free to send us an email or contact reception.
