Hostel Eklata
|
|
Zadar |
|
|
For centuries the capital city of Dalmatia and today the centre of the
region. A city with a rich heritage of world importance, visible at
every step. The Roman Forum from the 1st century, St. Donatus’ Church
from the 9th century is the most famous medieval basilica and trademark
of the city.
The reconstructed Romanesque St. Grisigono's Church from the 12th
century and the St. Mary's bell tower from the year 1105; the St.
Anastasia's Cathedral from the 13th century; the People's Square with
the City's Lodge and Guardhouse from the 16th century, as well as the
mighty fortification walls with first class Sea(farer's) and Land gates
from the 16th century followed by the Three and Five Wells Squares and
many palaces, villas and other historic monuments.
Based on a three thousand year old tradition, the Zadar region has
evolved to take up 14% of the total territory of the Republic of
Croatia, and around 12% of the territorial sea, with as many islands as
there are days in the year plus an islands' surface area of
approximately 580 km square. Just offshore of the 1200 km long coast,
most indented coastline in the Mediterranean, there is an array of four
strings of islands beginning with the largest: Pag, Dugi Otok, Ugljan,
Pasman, leading to the smaller ones: Silba, Molat, Olib, Premuda, Iz,
Vrgada, Sestrunj.
I ts attractiveness is due greatly to its fantastic natural position in
the very middle of the Adriatic coast, and to the four National Parks
surrounding it: Plitvica Lakes, Paklenica mountain, the unique Rivera
Krka waterfalls and a string of wondrous islands called Kornati. No
less attractive are the nature Parks of Telascica, the canyon of the
Zrmanja River and the largest natural lake in Croatia –Lake Vrana in
the vicinity of Biograd. It is possible to reach the central Zadar
Riviera region equally easily from all directions and by all means of
transport.
The City of Zadar is not only known for its historical and cultural
monuments but also for its amply supplied vegetable and fish markets on
the peninsula (a part of the old city). The market is daily supplied
with fresh fruit and vegetables from the rich hinterland of “Ravni
Kotari”, the fruitful waters of Lake Vrana and the islands of Ugljan
and Pasman. Judged by the variety of goods on offer, it is one of the
largest markets in Croatia. The market is not only frequented for
supplies, but also for the bustle, the abundance of colours and the
haggle with the local women merchants.
In the direct vicinity of the “green market” is the fish market with an
exceptionally diverse offer of fish and seafood, as well as salted
sardines by the piece. The fish market is situated close to the
promenade, where lively coloured fishing boats of all sizes lay crowded
in the morning. The fishing tradition in these parts is very old (1995
marked the 1000th anniversary since the first written account of
fishing in Croatia – Sali / Dugi Otok) and the most famous fishing town
on the Adriatic is situated on the island of Ugljan.
Just as at the market, here too it is necessary to haggle with the
merchants, and, even if on that particular day you end up without fish
on your menu, you will still have enjoyed the scent of the sea and
heard the arguments of fishermen in the local dialect.
|
|
 |
Dubrovnik
9°C |
|
|