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Zadar Sunset from the Sea Organ

Quirky Sun Salutation Zadar Eerie Zadar Sea Organ and Things to Do in Zadar

June 23, 2016 By Jan Robinson 23 Comments

This post may contain compensated links. We may earn a small percentage if you book through a compensated link, but it won’t cost you any more by doing so. You can read our full disclaimer here.


The Adriatic coastline plays a star role in what makes Croatia such a popular travel destination and why I love Croatia. Every seaside town along this most indented Croatian coastline has a Riva where people promenade, swim, fish, moor boats, drink coffee and take their evening stroll. Beside these common things to do in Zadar however are the quirky light installation known as the Sun Salutation Zadar with the accompanying Eerie sounds of the Zadar Sea Organ. My hat is off to you Zadar.

I Love Zadar for it’s Inventiveness and Creativity
Jan Robinson

 

Zadar Riva shines with more than just the sun’s rays.


Zadar Lights Sounds Scenes

 

Zadar Sea Organ and Sun Salutation Zadar

Zadar’s Riva has expansive views, across Zadar Strait to Ugljan Island only 3km from the town harbour. Our Airbnb apartment was situated at the southern end of the Riva, offering the perfect opportunity for an afternoon walk northward to the joint attractions of the Zadar Sea Organ and Sun Salutation Zadar.

Zadar Riva Southern End

Looking to Ugljan Island across the strait.

Zadar looking across the Strait to Ugljan Island

 

What You Will Find in This Post

  • Who created the Zadar Sea Organ and Why?
  • How was the Sun Salutation Zadar Made and by Who?
  • More things to do in Zadar
    • Zadar Land Gate and the Harbour of Fosa Zadar
    • Kolovare Beach Zadar – Boat Harbour
    • Kolovare Beach Zadar – The Imperial Fountain
    • Zadar Cafes, Music and the Rome influence
    • Enjoy walking Zadar Streets
    • Zadar Roman Forum
    • Learn about Zadar History
      • Zadar War II
    • Visit St. Donatus Church
    • Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia and Bell Tower
    • Watch the Zadar Sunset
    • Inspect Zadar Fortifications
    • Take a Zadar Tour
  • Where to Stay at Zadar
    • Self Catering Accommodation Zadar
  • How to get to Zadar Croatia
    • Zadar by Boat
    • Zadar Flights
    • Getting to Zadar by Bus
    • Arriving by Train to Zadar
  • Budget Travel Tips for Zadar Croatia
    • More from my site

Who created the Zadar Sea Organ and Why?

The Sea Organ Zadar is an intriguing concept created by architect Nikola Bašić .

A set of wide 70 metre long marble steps provide the perfect place to sit and view the sunset, mesmerised by strange ghostly harmonies emitting from the sea. Thirty-five pipes built beneath the steps, create organ music conducted by the haphazard movement of waves.

I’ve likened it previously to music for mermaids and you can view and listen to it here. With our bedroom windows open late at night, sea organ music would ebb and flow exquisitely around the room.

 

How was the Sun Salutation Zadar Made and by Who?

The Zadar Sun Salutation was also created by Nikola Bašić.

Implant 300 multilayered glass plates in a 22 metre wide circle in the surface of the Riva, then sit back and enjoy the show.

That is what Nikola Bašić achieved within metres of the Sea Organ.

Zadar Sun Salutation Panorama

 

LED lights powered by the sun’s stored power, pulse in time with wave action producing colourful sequences that flash and disappear hypnotically. What I didn’t realise at the time was that the entire waterfront lighting system is also generated from the Sun Salutation’s photovoltaic cells.

Zadar Sun Salute Panorama

These two impressive attractions create great interest along the promenade.

More things to do in Zadar

Zadar Land Gate and the Harbour of Fosa Zadar

 

Zadar Fosa Harbour

Walking in the other direction away from Zadar Sun Salutation leads to the eastern walls of Zadar old town at Fosa Harbour, beyond which lays the renaissance Zadar Land Gate, once the main town entrance.

The Venetians built the gate in 1543 with a triumphal arch for vehicles and smaller gates either side for pedestrians.

On the seaward side, the winged Lion of St. Mark reminds of a time when Venetians ruled Zadar town.

Of the four gates that remain in the walls this one is the most impressive.

It is considered the finest Venetian monument in Dalmatia.

Zadar's Landward Gate

From here you can either enter the gate or turn south and to find a swimming spot.

Kolovare Beach Zadar – Boat Harbour

My camera has one fault with disastrous consequences – it allows me to take photos without a camera card being loaded.

I’ve done this twice and our walk to Kolovare Beach was one of those occasions.

We had a lovely afternoon exploring the area – having drinks at a waterside bar, watching beach volleyball and finding the imperial fountain. Marty provides a lot of photos for the blog and thankfully he took two shots that afternoon. Here they are.

Walk to Kolovare Beach.

Zadar Swimming

Kolovare Beach Zadar – The Imperial Fountain

Built in 1536 during the Renaissance Period, then renovated during the 18th Century, the Imperial Fountain Zadar is contained within a circular building open to the sea. At one time it provided fresh water for the town and Venetian ships.

Sadly it is somewhat neglected today but still structurally sound and a beautiful sight.

Zadar The Imperial Fountain

 

Zadar Cafes, Music and the Rome influence

The squares of Zadar are not lacking cafes overflowing with patrons. Some looked far too busy for us.

The main thoroughfare in Zadar is the original Roman Road but then Rome’s influence can be seen all through town.

Between Zadar Riva and the backing street Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovica, cafe tables and chairs spread out in the grassy park. To enjoy the ambience just take a seat and waiters will deliver your order from across the street.

Zadar Cafe beside Roman column.

Zadar Cafe and Column

 

Cafe Rio on the northern side of our apartment block, with it’s cushioned bench seats could easily hail from Turkey.

Zadar Rio Coffee

 

On the southern side was a mural depicting the famous now deceased Croatian singer, songwriter and politician Tomislav Ivčić, famous for his song Stop the war in Croatia, which surprisingly was a top ten hit in Australia in 1991. He died in a car accident aged 41 and is buried in the famous Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb.

We were serenaded by guitar music in our apartment some nights, so it was probably no accident that his mural adorned the walls beneath.

Zadar Tomislav Ivčić

Enjoy walking Zadar Streets

Zadar is no Dubrovnik. Her streets are not over-run with tourists and her scars of war have been filled with a mix of normal everyday buildings.

Whether modern or ancient, Zadar’s streets are a friendly place for locals and visitors to roam.

Zadar Sentinel Clock Tower

Zadar Colourful Buildings

 

Zadar street scene

Zadar mix of buildings

Streets of Zadar Croatia

 

Looking Up in Zadar Croatia

 

Zadar Roman Forum

Zadar Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church

 

The remains of Zadar Roman Forum are spread out in a manicured grassed area with paved walkways. Although only pieces remain, they are interesting pieces. Wrong-doers were chained to the shaming post (above) during the middle ages for a dose of public humiliation.

Learn about Zadar History

Present day Zadar has been populated since pre-historic times, with the Romans first invading in the 2nd Century BC. The town has a huge history of prominence, destruction, invasions and rulers, but along the way it acquired the typical Roman rectangular street plan, forum and a water supply system arriving from lake Vrana, via a 40 kilometre long aqueduct.

Zadar War II

Looking at Zadar today it is hard to believe that 60% of the old town was destroyed by allied bombing in the second world war after Germany took the city, or that it was partially destroyed by Yugoslav rocket attacks 1991-3. Back then the people were stuck in their homes without food or water. The waterfront was finally reconstructed in 2005 at which time the Sun Salutation and Sea Organ were installed.

Zadar is known as the Oldest Inhabited Town in Croatia.

Head of Jupiter with Rams Horns.

Zadar Roman Forum Head of Jupiter

Visit St. Donatus Church

Circular, 9th Century Byzantine St. Donatus Church was built on top of the Roman Forum.

Zadar Exterior Church of St. Donatus

 

The St. Donatus Church Zadar building is in good condition, except for the missing timber floor. This stroke of luck reveals the way the old roman columns were used as footings for the 9th century Church.

The church has gorgeous forum and ocean views from the top level.

Zadar Church of St. Donatus built upon the Roman Forum

 

Roman Footings at St. Donatus Zadar

Zadar St. Donatus Foundations

Zadar St. Donatus Foundations

 

Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia and Bell Tower

Originally built in the 4th Century, this Romanesque version dating from the 12th Century, was reconstructed after damage in WWII.

The bell tower can be climbed from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on Sunday for beautiful views of the peninsula.

The sunset views from up the top are to die for.

Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia

 

Looking skyward past the bas relief of Madonna and Child.

Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia Looking Up

 

I thought the Church was pretty from the outside so I peeked within. I’m no church aficionado, but I did like the unusual dark timber ceiling (no colourful frescoes here) and the natural stone columns dominating the room in a sombre yet attractive way.

Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia Interior

 

Zadar Interior Cathedral of St. Anastasia

 

Zadar Cathedral

 

Watch the Zadar Sunset

Looking south while waiting for Sunset on the Riva.

Zadar Waiting for Sunset on the Riva

Zadar Boat Sunset from the Riva

 

Our camera cards are full of Zadar’s Sunsets. The sunset shot below being taken from the Riva near the Sea Organ Steps.

Zadar Sunset from the Riva

 

Crowds gather for Sunset from the Sea Organ steps.

Zadar Sunset from the Sea Organ

 

In the words of Alfred Hitchcock “The sunset of Zadar is the world’s most beautiful and incomparably better than in Key West, Florida.”

Hmmm. Poor Key West…

 

Inspect Zadar Fortifications

Fortifications are an everyday sight on the streets of Zadar. These photos show another two of the town gates.

Zadar Wall Fortifications

 

Zadar Wall

 

Take a Zadar Tour

Book a tour through Get Your Guide.

 

Where to Stay at Zadar

Diklo and Boric 6km to the north-west have traditionally contained the majority of tourist accommodation. If you (like us) would prefer to stay more centrally, I suggest looking at Airbnb “old town” options. We loved our choice.

 

Hosts Ana and Nik were so hospitable, they even waited on the street to guide us to a saved parking space. They surprised us with chocolates and fresh cherries (Maraschino Cherry Liquer originated in Zadar).

We loved their third floor apartment set amongst the bars and restaurants and best of all – just across the street from the Riva.

If you have not used Airbnb previously you can use the link in our sidebar and you will receive a discount (currently at $35 AUD).

Self Catering Accommodation Zadar

While there are markets and a supermarket in the old town, we visited Supernova on the way through the new Town to stock up for our stay.

Six kilometres and 14 minutes from the old town by car, this modern shopping centre has a large supermarket, specialty stores, food court and restaurants.

The Tele2 (mobile data) store there helped get our phone working again.

 

How to get to Zadar Croatia

Zadar by Boat

Zadar is one of the best connected towns in Croatia. Car and passenger ferries to the Adriatic islands and beyond (Italy) depart from the harbour.

Jadrolinija sells tickets for all local ferries.international tickets available from Jadroagent inside the walls.

Zadar is connected to Ancona Italy by ferry. Jadrolinija international tickets are available from Jadroagent inside the walls.

In Summer (June to August) Gomo Viaggi run services Cesenatico and Pesaro near Rimini Italy to Zadar.

Zadar Flights

Zadar airport is 12km east of the city (Ryan Air, Croatian Airlines). Bus (2km east of the old city) and Train (adjacent the bus station).

Getting to Zadar by Bus

Buses arrive at Zadar Bus Station Bregdetti and Ante Starcevic streets. They come from many towns including Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Sibenik and internationally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany to name a couple.

Arriving by Train to Zadar

There are regular Zagreb to Zadar train services and internationally from Vienna, Belgrade, Prague, and Budapest to Split. Whether you arrive from within Croatia or internationally all services to Zadar change at the town of Knin. There are no direct train services to Zadar.

 

Budget Travel Tips for Zadar Croatia

St. Donatus Church entrance fee 20 kuna. Opening hours 9 am – 9 p.m.

Cathedral of St. Anastacia – entrance free. Opening hours 6.30-7pm Mon-Fri, 8-9am Sat, 8-9am & 6-7pm Sun.

 

Add a link to your travel post at the link up below.  I am co-hosting Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday with Ruth from Tanama Tales and  Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations.

An InLinkz Link-up


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Filed Under: Croatia, Destination, Ten Weeks in Europe 2015

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jackie Smith

    June 24, 2016 at 12:57 am

    Oh you have so activated the travel bugs with this one! I’ve often thought it would be fun to do a post of the Lions of St. Mark that we’ve encountered on our travels. Those Venetians were everywhere, weren’t they?

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 8:32 am

      Yes they were and quite fierce too!

      Reply
  2. Krista Bjorn

    June 24, 2016 at 2:33 am

    I’m fascinated by the water organ! What an ingenious idea. I’m also intrigued by the Roman ruins. It’s funny how you know in your head that they must have been there, but I never correlated Croatia with the Romans until your post. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Oh yes the Romans just had to skip across the Adriatic or down the coast from Venice. They were such a huge influence in the Medierranean. Turkey has plenty of Greek/Roman Ruins too, even Tunisia! I loved the water organ too – what a concept!

      Reply
  3. Ruth - Tanama Tales

    June 24, 2016 at 11:32 am

    I like the sea organ but the rest of the town is amazing. Sometimes, I am more interested in historical sights than is modern works (but the have to admit the organ is cool). So, if I understand correctly, the organ waves “play” the organ, right? Does it makes a sound all day and night?

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 1:02 pm

      Yes it makes the sound all the time as far as I know and the Sun Salutation works sunset to sunrise. There is so much antiquity in Europe I found both of these modern day attractions refreshing and there is still the Roman and Venetian influence to counterbalance the new.

      Reply
  4. Jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty

    June 24, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Zadar looks amazing and your photos do it such justice Jan. We missed it when we visited Croatia, but as you say it is one of the best connected towns in the country so next time, I’m sure we’ll get there to discover its ancient delights and lovely sunsets.

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      I wish we’d had more time there Jo and we would have taken a ferry to a few of the islands.

      Reply
  5. Indrani

    June 24, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    Whoa! The places you see!
    The place has so much to offer! I am making a note of this.
    The water organ so novel… never heard something like that before.

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      The sea organ seems to be everyone’s favourite Indrani!

      Reply
  6. Trekking with Becky

    June 24, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    This is the first time I’ve seen part of Croatia outside of Dubrovnik. It’s lovely, and I’ll definitely keep it in mind when I’m finally in the planning stages of a trip to Croatia some day. 😀

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 24, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Dubrovnik is a beautiful city but there are a lot more down to earth Croatian towns too. I hope you get to Croatia soon Becky!

      Reply
  7. Nancie

    June 25, 2016 at 9:37 am

    I would love to be serenaded in Zadar after a day of enjoying the beaches, the architecture and the sunset. I’ve read so many great posts about Croatia over the past six months that I want to move it closer to the top of my travel list. There’s just so many places that I want to experience, and so little time! 🙂 Thanks for hosting this week. #TPThursday

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 25, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Probably best to go soon Nancie as it is growing in popular fast…

      Reply
  8. Kathy Marris

    June 25, 2016 at 11:27 am

    Oh Jan I’m falling more and more in love with Croatia from your beautiful posts. Zadar does look like a quieter spot than Dubrovnik and this in itself really appeals to me, plus those gorgeous sunset photos over the Mediterranean Sea!

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 25, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      Zadar is relaxing and I loved the waterfront. If I were to go again I would visit the islands from Zadar.

      Reply
  9. Lauren Bishop

    June 27, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    I love this post!! It completely transported me back to Zadar. It was my favourite city in Croatia and you’ve clearly shown why. I love that the waterfront has the sea organ & the sun salutations. I’d actually forgotten about those and it was so fun to see them again. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 27, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      I’m happy to have reminded you of those two attractions. They’re quite unique I think!

      Reply
  10. Pinky Poinker

    June 27, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    The should build a sea organ on the Strand don’t you think? That sunset is to die for.

    Reply
    • Jan

      June 27, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Maybe they could incorporate it into the rock pool wall!

      Reply
  11. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    July 1, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    When I eventually get around to visiting Croatia, experiencing the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation in Zadar is definitely on my To Do list. I think it’s fantastic that you were able to hear it from your lodging at night. Looks like such an interesting town.

    Reply
    • Jan

      July 1, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Michele, Our host Nik was excited when we said we could hear the Sea Organ in the bedroom. He had heard it himself, but others doubted it could be true, as it is not that close.

      Reply

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