Visiting Zadar? Don’t miss the largest church in Dalmatia! Behind its remarkable Gothic façade, St. Anastasia’s Cathedral invites you to discover a masterpiece ofRomanesque, Renaissance and Gothic art in Dalmatia. We were captivated by its architecture, which blends Tuscan and Gothic influences, and by its luminous interior, which houses a number of treasures.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit to Zadar’s Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Saint Anastasia Cathedral
Is Saint Anastasia Cathedral worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, Sainte-Anastasie Cathedral is definitely worth a visit! Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic. You’ll be impressed by its remarkable façade, adorned with 3 majestic Gothic doorways, magnificent rose windows and some 50 columns. Inside, the 3 spacious naves and side chapels create an atmosphere both solemn and contemplative. The relics of Saint Anastasia add a strong spiritual dimension.
This is one of Zadar’s best visits!
Why is Saint Anastasia Cathedral famous?
St. Anastasia’s Cathedral is famous for being the largest religious building in Dalmatia, a masterpiece of 12th-century Romanesque art. It is distinguished by its blend of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, with Venetian influences visible in its blind galleries and arcades.
Built on the remains of a 4th-century Paleo-Christian basilica, it has undergone several periods of reconstruction, notably after the invasions of 1202. Its 19th-century bell tower, designed by English architect Thomas Graham Jackson, completes this historic monument.
We were struck by the richness of its details, such as the façade adorned with rosettes and columns, and by the presence of the relics of Saint Anastasia, a rare and precious item. You’ll be seduced by this place steeped in history and spirituality.
Our favorites
During our visit, we were particularly struck by several elements:
- The Gothic facade: its three doors and 2 rose windows immediately catch the eye. We liked the finesse of the columns and blind galleries.
- Climb up to the bell tower for a panoramic view of Zadar that’s not to be missed!
History in brief
- The cathedral is built on an early Christian basilica dating back to the 4th century.
- In the 9th century, the emperor of Byzantium donated the relics of Saint Anastasia, which are still preserved in the building.
- It was damaged in 1202 by invading Crusaders and Venetian armies.
- Reconstruction took until 1324, with additions in the 15th century.
- The present bell tower dates from the 19th century, designed by Thomas Graham Jackson.
- The cathedral was restored after the Second World War, retaining its Romanesque and Gothic styles.
How to get there: St. Anastasia Cathedral, Zadar
Where is the Cathedral?
- In the historic center of Zadar, on Trg Svete Stošije Square in Zadar,
- Close toSaint-Donat Church and the city’s main attractions,
- 10min walk from the picturesque port of Foša (where parking is available)
- Less than a 10-minute walk from the Zadarski Most Bridge, which links the historic center with the modern city center.
Access by car and parking
Located in the heart of the city, it’s easiest to get here on foot.
If you’re coming by car, be aware that parking can be difficult in Zadar’s historic center. We recommend the nearest parking lot, ideally located near the picturesque Port of Foša, where the Riva begins. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Cathedral.
Public transport access
If you take public transport, the nearest stop is “Poluotok”, part of the city’s transport network. It’s less than 5 minutes’ walk away.
To plan your itinerary, we invite you to consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Schedules and prices
- Opening hours: daily from 8am to 7:30pm. Please note that masses are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings and at 7pm. Please avoid these times.
- Price: €5
- Please note: decent clothing is required (shoulders and knees must not be visible).
Best time to visit
For greater peace and quiet, it’s best to visit in the morning and on weekdays. If you’d like to climb to the top of the bell tower, it’s best to do so on a sunny day to enjoy an unobstructed view.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow around 30min to discover the cathedral and its architectural details.
- If you wish to visit the bell tower, please allow a further 20-30 minutes.
- The cathedral seemed accessible for PRMs.
- Climbing up to the bell tower is done by stairs, some of them narrow.
Advice on how to visit
Start by admiring the Gothic façade with its rose windows before entering. Then explore the three interior naves, side chapels, crypt, sacristy and baptistery. Finish by climbing the bell tower for a panoramic view of Zadar!
Visiting with children
The site is not especially suitable for children, with no dedicated facilities. However, the architectural wealth and the relics may arouse their curiosity. Climbing up to the bell tower is not recommended for the youngest visitors, but can be fun for children able to climb uneven stairs without difficulty, as they can observe the bells and their mechanisms.
Eating out
With the Cathedral right in the center of town, you can easily take a gourmet break in one of Zadar’s best restaurants.
Understanding the history and architecture of Saint Anastasia Cathedral
An imposing Romanesque silhouette
As soon as we set foot in the main square, we were impressed by the sheer size of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. Did you know? This is the largest church in Dalmatia. Its Romanesque façade, rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries and completed in 1324, features sculpted columns and two elegant rosettes.
While contemplating it, we felt the weight of history: it bears witness to the medieval prosperity of Zadar, then a major religious and political center on the Adriatic coast. If you love architecture, take the time to observe the details of the façade (bas-relief, portal, pediment…): they tell the story of several centuries of faith and craftsmanship.
A building that has stood the test of time
Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral is the fruit of a long history. Built on the foundations of an early Paleo-Christian basilica dating from the 4th-5th centuries, it was enlarged by the Byzantines and rebuilt by the Venetians after the destruction of 1202.
Inside, you can see the precious preserved relics of St. Anastasia, a 4th-century martyr, brought here from Constantinople. We appreciated the historical continuity: a visit to this church brings you face to face with several layers of Croatian history, from early Christianity to medieval reconstruction.
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Explore the interior of the cathedral
As we crossed the threshold, we were struck by the height of the nave, sober and luminous. You’ll notice the simple yet powerful Romanesque lines, reinforcing the impression of monumentality.
The large columns supporting the arches recall the solidity of medieval buildings. This sobriety emphasizes verticality and naturally invites us to look up at the vaults, in an almost spiritual mood.
Finely carved chapels
As you walk along the aisles, you’ll discover several chapels housing works of art. We also enjoyed observing the richly decorated and sculpted altars. In particular, you’ll see the altar of Saint Dominic, featuring several marble bas-reliefs by Venetian sculptor Giuseppe Torretti (1664-1748).
We particularly appreciated the chapel housing the relics of Saint Anastasia, located behind the high altar. It’s a place of meditation, but also an open-air page of history. If you’re a heritage buff, you’ll notice that these chapels illustrate the evolution of religious style, from Romanesque to Baroque.
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Discover the bell tower and other parts of the cathedral
The crypt, presbytery, sacristy and other treasures
When visiting the cathedral, be sure to explore the less visible but equally fascinating spaces. The crypt, located beneath the presbytery, dates back to the 12th century and preserves a discreet but meaningful decoration: a re-used capital and, above all, an altar frontal adorned with symbolic scenes, including an enigmatic representation of martyrdom. We found this intimate space particularly moving, as it offers a glimpse into the building’s medieval roots.
The sacristy, also known as the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe, is even older. It dates back to the first half of the 5th century and houses a rare mosaic depicting 2 deer. Take time to admire this precious early Christian vestige.
Finally, the original hexagonal baptistery completes the picture. Built in the 6th century and destroyed during the Second World War, it was restored in 1989. We appreciated the commitment to preserving and passing on this heritage, which bears witness to Zadar’s spiritual and architectural continuity.
Climbing the bell tower
Once you’ve visited the cathedral, don’t leave just yet! Take the time to climb the Romanesque bell tower, built between the 11th and 19th centuries. To do this, leave the cathedral and walk to the tower, turning right as you leave the building behind. Standing 56m high, the tower is topped by a pyramidal spire surmounted by a bronze angel that turns in the wind. The climb requires a little effort, but the reward is breathtaking: a panoramic view of Zadar’s old town, red roofs and sparkling Adriatic.
As you explore the tower, you’ll notice that its history spans several centuries. The base, built in the 15th century, is decorated with coats-of-arms and simple motifs reminiscent of the Romanesque style, with some Renaissance-influenced details. The upper floor, which you will climb, is much more recent: it was completed in 1893 in a neo-Romanesque style inspired by the bell tower of Rab Cathedral. We found it fascinating to discover these architectural strata, before reaching the top.
