CHURCHES OF ZADAR

Find out all about numerous churches of Zadar, ancient city that has always been a Catholic fort.

Zadar has been known for its many churches located on the peninsula.  The city has  four patron saints:  St. Simon, St. Anastasia, St. Chrysogonus and St. Zoilus.  However, the symbol of Zadar is church of St. Donatus, bishop who brought st. Anastasias`s body to Zadar.  The tour starts in front  o f his church which was primarily dedicated to Holy Trinity. It was built in 9th century  from construction material found on ancient Forum. In the past it was connected with long and wide narthex to the cathedral of St. Anastasia.

The cathedral was constructed during 12th and 13th century on the foundations of Early-Christian basilica. Its beautiful facade with horizontal arches is characteristic for Romanesque Tuscan architectural style. Three-ailed church is the biggest cathedral in Dalmatia.

St. Mary`s Female Benedictine Monastery was founded in 11th century by Cika, a noble woman from Zadar. In the beginning of 12th century her heir Vekenega received a donation from Croato-Hungarian king Koloman to continue with church and bell tower construction next to the  monastery which nowadays keeps and preserves a rich collection of  sacral art objects and paintings.

Tour continues with sightseeing of st. Francis` church and monastery, Gothic masterpieces of Dalmatia. Beautiful monastery cloister with a well brought from Duke`s palace is a work of local artificers.

Our Lady of Health is a small church situated in eastern part of the peninsula. It was completely torn down in the bombardment in WWII  and  renovated in 1990s.

Church of st. Chrysogonus was dedicated in 1175 and belonged to mail Benedictine community till the beginning of 19th century when Napleon`s government banned the monks. It presents one of t he best preserved Croatian Romanesque monuments.