Woolly says – With the sun blazing down I hurried through the Land Gate which had been built in 1543 by the Venetians and into the Old City of Zadar, the women seemed to be flagging behind for some reason……
Temperatures in the 30’s and heavy backpacks maybe!
Woolly says – such lightweights! Having left our things in the latest room I was eager to start investigations. Zadar like so many of the other coastal resorts we have recently been to has seen all the usual invasions, Romans, Turks, Venetians ….well you probably know the list by now! It is however the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Okey history covered now lets get on with it…. what do you mean you want feeding!!!!!
You have to love his enthusiasm but after a four and a half hour bus journey surely even he must need more than a pistachio!
Woolly says – Well put like that….. fed and watered I had spent my mealtime admiring the rounded delights of St Donatus’ Church, as I trotted across the road I nearly fell over some Roman ruins that had once formed the Forum of the city, the largest on this side of the Adriatic. The Forum had been founded by the first Emperor Augustus in the 3rd Century and includes the remains of a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. To one side stands the “Pillar of Shame“ where naughty people were chained and pilloried ……Noooooo I don’t want my picture taken there……
I just had to do it!
Woolly says – She’s just plain nasty that Jo! The Forum would also have comprised of a basilica and rooms for council chambers and citizens’ assemblies, underneath was a colonnade where shops and workshops once stood. The site was only discovered in the 1930s when allied bombers inadvertently assisted in the clearing process and site was completely cleared and restored between 1964 and ’67. Having admired the foundations I sped into the church, well it would be cooler in there! Inside was lovely, simple and plain but lovely all the same. High above my head there was a wooden roof which looked far newer from the original construction in the 9th century, originally named the Church of the Holy Trinity in the 15th century it was re-dedicated to St. Donatus and is the largest Pre-romanesque building in Croatia.
Steps led us upwards and having seen his sweaty face I gave him a hand to the top.
Woolly says – it was a long way down, a very long way, having admired our surroundings once more it had made a great start to our visit.
Next up was the Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia is the largest church in all of Dalmatia, Zadar seems to be having a theme here of biggest and firsts! The church’s origins date back to a Christian basilica built in the 4th and 5th centuries, while much of the current three-nave building was constructed in the Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries. No photo’s allowed but the simple white and wooden interior was rather sweet and very restful, we sat for a while admiring the simplicity and enjoying the tranquillity ..yes I do do quiet!
He does…well for a minute or so!
Woolly says – Taking a quick photo of St Elias’ Church I checked the map and set a course for the Franciscan Monastery, well we haven’t been to one for at least a week! This was the oldest Dalmatian church built in the Gothic style, it was consecrated in 1280 to Saint Francis of Assisi after his visit there. Having paid our krona and had the girls covered up we entered the church. Painted white, at first it didn’t seem anything special and with several nuns kneeling in prayer I wasn’t sure quite what to do so being the sensible sort of mammoth that I am I sat down and admired the fine renaissance and baroque work, it felt modern day but wasn’t.
We sat for a while even though it is a working museum it felt disrespectful to take pictures whilst others were praying.
Woolly says – the ants were playing up in my pants so I moved as quietly as I could from the main church and into the Floral Choir area, beautifully carved wooden seats and an absolute masterpiece on the main wall gave Jo plenty of pictures, tip pawing through the next doorway we found the biggest pieces of furniture I think I have ever seen and yet another work of art, Jo snapped away happily. Yet another doorway presented itself and the pieces inside stopped me in my tracks…..
I nearly fell over him!
Woolly says – the most magnificent crucifix I have ever seen right before my eyes, followed by incredible statues and artwork from the late 15th and early 16th century I couldn’t believe my tusks at the beauty. It was sadly the only place we couldn’t take pictures but believe me it was worth seeing. Leaving the wonders behind we arrived in the simple cloister area which had been destroyed in the second World War and rebuilt in a much plainer view than it had been when originally constructed. With all the delights behind us I only had one more plan for the day ….the Greeting to the Sun…..
I just knew he was gong to be disappointed.
Woolly says – WHAT do you mean it only works at NIGHT!!!! I want to see it NOW!!!
Tomorrow is another day my little friend, we’ll see it in all it’s glory then.