Zadar
Zadar is a large city situated on the Adriatic coastline. With the population of around 80,000 it represents a center of Northern Dalmatia. In the past, Zadar seemed to be handed from one reign to another. Recent documents testify that Zadar was damaged during The Croatian War of Independence. The siege of this city lasted for 2 years, from the beginning of the war until January 1993 when it was liberated. But the attacks did not stop, they continued until the end of the war.
Like other cities on the Adriatic, Zadar has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters that appear to be a good bait for tourists.
The fortified look of Zadar was gained during the time of Julius Caesar. In the 16th century, Zadar was a part of the Republic of Venice. Venice added its own defensive structure to this city, giving it a look that was kept until today. Zadar has a lot to offer, starting with numerous churches. The most prominent one is the Saint Donatus Church (crkva Svetog Donata) dating from the 9th century. It is special for its pre-Romanesque structure. It looks more like a fortress, not a church.
Furthermore, Saint Anastasia's Cathedral (crkva Sv. Stošije) was built in the Romanesque style. The construction work started back in the 12th century and was finished in the 13th. With its massive structure, it represents the largest cathedral in Dalmatia.
Some of the other churches that are worthwhile to mention and to see are St. Elijah's Church, St. Francis' Church, The churches of St. Chrysogonus and St. Simeon, St. Krševan's Church, St. Mary's Church.
Zadar was a center of Croatian literature — the first Croatian newspaper Il regio Dalmata, was published nowhere else but in Zadar. A lot of activities seemed to take place in Zadar in the past — the most notable one includes Croatian writers starting to write in Croatian.
Historical monuments are not the only advantage of this Dalmatian city. It offers a favorable climate, blue sea, sports and recreation complexes, beautiful beaches, promenades along the coastline... It is also known for the marasca cherries and their final product — a drink called Maraschino.
Zadar is unique because it has four patron saints — Saint Šimun, Saint Krševan, Saint Stošija and the least known Saint Zoilo.