MissViaggio
in Zadar

1. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum which marks the core of the Old City was built almost two millennia ago. An earthquake destroyed the Roman basilica that once stood on the forum. Instead of rebuilding it, the stones were used to build other houses.

2. Column of Shame

An old, weathered column stands just a few feet from Saint Donatus on the grounds of the historic forum square. In the Middle Ages, the column was used as a place of public punishment which is why it's called the Column of Shame. For minor and major offenses, people were chained to the column, humiliated and whipped. People were even allowed to throw eggs, vegetables and stones at the troublemakers, which not everyone survived.

3. Five Wells Square

Right at the entrance to Queen Yelena Madije Park is the Five Wells Square, where - guess what - there are five wells in a row. They were built during a siege in the 16th century to provide large amounts of water to the population.

4. Zadar City Walls

For centuries, the city walls, officially called "Walls of Zadar Uprisings" (after the eleven uprisings against the Venetian authorities), provided reliable protection for the citizens of the city. Five years ago, the walls have been included in the World Heritage List.

5. Saint Donatus church

The Church of St. Donatus has one of the most unusual shapes I have ever seen. It is built on the foundations of the former forum and its ornaments mostly originate from the ruins of the Roman Forum. Inside St. Donatus visitors find two decorative pillars from that time.

5. Bell Tower

The bell tower of St. Anastasia, located in the center next to St. Donatus, offers visitors a magnificent view on the Old Town. If you not afraid of heights, it is definitely worth climbing the many stairs to the spire of the belfry and enjoy the view over the countryside and the islands.