CityBuddy
St. Anastasia's Cathedral
Best time to visit
Early morning before 11 am, when there are the fewest tourists and the light from the rose window creates magical patterns on the stone floor. Avoid Saturdays with weddings.
Budget tips
Entrance to the cathedral is free, but bring 25 kuna cash for the bell tower. The Zadar City Pass gives a discount on guided tours.
Recommended for
Architecture enthusiasts, Photographers, History enthusiasts, Seekers of silence
Plan your visit
45-60 minutes
About
Quick facts: The church's two Romanesque bell towers are 31 meters high, and the southern tower has never been fully completed. Inside you will find one of the most beautiful organ facades in Europe, carved in wood and decorated with 144 gilded angel figures.
Highlights: The floor is made of stone from the Roman city of Aenona, and you are literally walking on 2000 years of history. Look up at the 36 unique capitals in the colonnades, each one decorated with different animal motifs, from lions to mythological creatures.
Insider tips
- Sit on the back bench for 5 minutes and listen to the acoustics, it is considered among the best in Croatia.
- Climb the bell tower before 10 am to avoid the queue and get panoramic views of Zadar with almost no people.
- Look for the small south portal on the right side of the facade, it has incredible Romanesque reliefs that are often overlooked.
- Bring a flashlight to see the details in the dark side chapels, the lighting is dimmed to protect the frescoes.
Where to Stay in Zadar
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