Zadar Off The Beaten Path

2 more images

Arsenal (the Armory) is the 16th century structure and served as logistic centre to naval fleet that protected the Venetian's Republic valuable trade routes. Not far from it, in opposite direction, is small Arsenal having the same purpose as its bigger brother.
Today Arsenal become the home of art and entertainment, a sort of covered city square offering relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. A visitor could enjoy in art, reading, dining, wining or watching live concerts.

1 more image

Dugi otok prides itself as 'undiscovered' long island and they're probably quite right about it. We visited in September for a week when it's probably best time to go there, but there are possible day trips throughout season with many agencies from Zadar to its most touristy part on the islands: Telašćica Park of Nature with cliffs, shallow salty lake Mir with donkey beach, including swimming at the island.
I'd say: spend there few days if you have time, avoid the crowds, rent a boat, scooter or bike on the island and discover it by yourself. It's beautiful place to be with many diverse and excellent beaches, wild sunsets, deep clear water with plenty of fishes and wonderful scenery. Take public boat (catamaran) to Sali or Božava or ferry to Brbinj if you want to go by car, there are several departures daily from Zadar. Ferry ride takes 1 hr 20 min while catamarans ply almost half the time of ferry (they're operated by Jadrolinija).
More on Dugi otok will be on my separate page.

Zadar has few scattered pocket size parks or squares of which some are entierly renewed and re-dressed within new urban fashion. Add benches, a tree or two and maybe a cafe - and you get pleasant intimate atomsphere, secluded with thin boundary just a step or a breath away from some of the main streets in town. An urban living room!

Within privacy of those pretty urban gardens, the benches are used by locals with a bottle of wine, chilling and having more and less passionate conversations - and perhaps nobody bothers about it.

On the lane behind a wall, entierly different (and maybe indifferent) world exists - that of shops and tourism oriented businesses, and a crowd of aliens on their holiday routines.

Without really looking for it - we found it when looking a place to eat and learned about it later (but note - there's only a little of information on it). What you can see today is just the foundation of this small church from pre-Romanic time with an interesting shape built somehwere 10th or 11th century. As it was destroyed already in 16th century, its ruins were covered and then as the archeologic research advanced, it had been finally conserved and protecetd in 1966.

One may find it in graphic contrast with residental block building behind the ruin... but in general, this little remains of church are taking rest in quiet surroundings, hardly even noticed with its rather modest form, almost hidden in the grounds.

Its finding is cherished by those whose have deep interest with archeology and curious historians.

3 more images

There really is not a town-per se. It has a restaurant and about 20 farm houses. Located 30 miles form Zadar going toward autostrada A1 from E65 highway. There are only about 20 farm houses in the area, and the town spreads out about 1 mile square

4 more images

The pleasure of driving this 30 miles out of town of Zadar on E65 toward the A1 autostrada is the scenery. The mountains of DAnaric are fantastic and you also go through what may be one of the longest tunnels in Europe, at 3 miles long. Nothing to really see in Sveti Rok, but the views around it are the reason for the 2-3 hour trip. It takes about 1 hour each way, and the autostrada fee is a lousy $3.5 each way to get ripped off for a 10 mile stretch

4 more images

This became a center for Croatian culture in the 7th century. It turned into that besides an administrative center and religious mecca, especially baptisms. Grgur (Gregory in English) Nin was a bishop that lived here, and he is famed for being the first to resist the Pope and other Italians gentry to preach religion in Croatian language instead of Latin, Italian, etc. He won out over the long run, and this established the town as a seat for pride and activity to become a more independent entity.
Today, this town has become a drop off point for many tour buses, besides the others that venture out form Zadar. There really is not much to do/see in the town, and when we were there, the church was closed up for the season, as well as the museum that must not open until June? The walls and other areas have been rebuilt to give the town that "old ruin" look. Pretty much of a tourist draw to come, eat and leave.
Nin is located 10 miles north of Zadar on Road 306, or take E65 out of town and follow signs to Nin

4 more images

The Holy Cross church shown is from the 9th century and was the main palace for baptisms for centuries. The Aslem church and tower is the main church from current day that dates back to 14th century. A viewing through a window allowed to see the nave, because the church is closed as well as the tower and maybe not open often, except church days.
NIn is located 10 miles north of Zadar on Road 306, or take E65 out of town and follow signs to Nin