The Old Port Walls of Zadar

I took the National Express Coach at Victoria station about 12:45, my ticket was booked for 1pm but the driver nicely let me get on to the earlier bus. We reach London Stansted Airport about 15:30, I went straight to the security and scaned my ticket and off I went to the waiting lounge while waiting our gate number for boarding . After 45 minutes waiting we head off to the boarding lounge Zadar flight 8388 gate 41. Boarding was quick and I got the wing seat again, my preferred seat I love looking out the window.
We safely landed to Zadar Airport at 20:30 and the taxi organised by my hostel was there waiting for me, Carlo the driver was very friendly and telling my tourist spots and places to go. We arrived at the reception the check in was quick, Kate the lady in the reception showed me my room and I was impressed the Four Corners Hostel has lived up to my expectation,one single bed for myself and one bunkbed, air conditioned room  and free wifi I couldn't asked for more. I'm sharing room with 2 young Australian girls Simone and Helena. The hostel is located in the old town area, its walking distance from the beach and its within the walled port of Zadar old city which is best to make as a base to explore the area. Im very chuffed about my hostel choice, the background music from downstairs restaurants is really good, the good vibes and ambiance adds it all,  I've only been here for 5 minutes but im loving it already. Zadar what else can you offer?

As soon as I organised my things in my room I was eager to explore so I went out for my wander,  with no map at hand just go with my instinct I came across the City wall and Arch which is the Zadar City Gate, it was designed by Venetian Architect Michele Sanmicheli in 1543 and theres another small arch to the left that leads to the 5 Wells Square with more restaurants and there's also a great funky garden bar overlooking the beach, good place for a cocktail I had one two many cocktails that finished me off  for the night.

Zadar City Gate

The following morning I got up about 9am and got ready for my full day wanders. Zadar is a historical centre of Dalmatia, and is the Roman Catholic Diocese in Dalmatia. So I decided to head off to the Cathedral of St.Donatus which is also known Sveti Donat by the locals. On the grounds you can see The Forum was once home to a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva it was built from 1st century BC to the 3rd AD, it has served as a public square for gatherings. The entire complex was damaged overtime but there are still several columns and artifact remains. You can still see " The Pillar of Shame " a monumental column which was used during the middle ages it is situated in the Northwestern side of the forum. You can actually go near these ruins and touch it, I took my time and sat on one of the big stone and appreciate the lovely view of the church. On the right side of the square there's  St Mary's church.

St Donatus Cathedral

Cathedral of St. Anastacia & Tower is the biggest Cathedral in Dalmatia, the Romanesque style is built in during the 12th to 13th century, it is also included in the currently tentative list of the UNESCO heritage site. The bell tower is over 50meter high.After taking lots of photos I went up to the tower which only cost 15 kuna, best place to go it's overlooking the whole town which I highly recommended to other travellers as long as they dont mind the stairs, the view is beautiful.

Other interesting things to see when you walk along the bay and you'll come across is the Greeting to the Sun or the Sun Salutation, visitors and tourist alike are overwhelmed by the Majestic Setting Sun scene of Zadar. Nikola Basic an architect was inspired that she then installed a permanent art The Greeting to the Sun, a circle glass panel  that collects lights during the day which transform solar energy and emits into a stunning light show that explodes magnificent colours at night. She also designed the Sea Organ( Organo Marino ), it comprised of 35 pipes with various lenghts, the waves then forced air through the pipes creating an atmospheric low tone melodic soundtracks. Best place to watch the the sunset, and when it gets dark you'll get the chance to see the light show of the Greeting to the Sun, the different colours that changes from red to purple to blue to green and looks like the solar panels are dancing to the rhythm of the Sea organ melody.

   

The Sun Salutation

 A man listening to the wave sounds

The International Centre for Underwater Archeology  is one of the UNESCO heritage list too, it carry out conservation, restoration and provide educational activities.

Zadar has impressed me, follow me on my get away in Šibenik  and Krka Falls adventure on my next blog.


Šibenik Croatia Old Town and Krka Falls

Split Along Marjan Peninsula

Highlights Of My Balkan Adventure