Church of St. Donatus
Grgura Mrganica, Zadar, Zadar
Dating back to the 9th century, the Church of St. Donatus is a circular Byzantine-style church rising out of what used to be Zadar's ancient Roman Forum. As one of only a handful of buildings to survive the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, the Church of St. Donatus is an important cultural relic and one of the most popular tourist sites in Zadar.
A scattering of Roman artifacts are laid out in front of the Church of St. Donatus, including the remnants of temples, colonnades, and one intact Roman column. Most walking tours of Zadar include a visit to the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus. Visitors can tour the church interior for a small admission fee or just admire the architecture from the outside. Views from the top of the bell tower extend over Old Town Zadar and the sea. Religious services are no longer held here, but the church, known for its incredible acoustics, is currently used as the venue for Zadar’s International Festival of Medieval Renaissance Music.
- The church is a must-see for Roman history buffs and first-time visitors.
- An admission fee is required to enter the church.
- Climb to the top of the bell tower for a great view of Zadar and the surrounding sea.
- Touring the interior of the Church of St. Donatus requires navigating several steps and uneven flooring so it may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs.
The Church of St. Donatus is located in the northern part of Old Town Zadar, a small peninsula surrounded by medieval fortification walls. Old Town Zadar is mostly a car-free zone so plan on parking outside the city walls and exploring on foot. If you’re staying outside of Old Town, city buses run frequently to the main tourist attractions.
The Church of St. Donatus is open daily year-round although opening hours vary by season. With consistent sunshine and dozens of beaches and islands to explore near Zadar, summer is by far the busiest season. The best time to visit is in September when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds have lessened.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Church of St. Donatus, Zadar’s waterfront features two unique art installations: the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun. The Sea Organ is a huge underwater instrument that generates music by the constant shifting waves of the sea and the Monument to the Sun puts on a light show at night fueled by the energy it absorbs from the sun during the day. Old Town is also home to Zadar’s market where fishermen display their fresh catches daily.
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