# Zadar

> city and settlement in Zadar County, Croatia

**Wikidata**: [Q3370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zadar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zadar

## Summary

Zadar is a historic coastal city and settlement in Zadar County, Croatia, situated on the Adriatic Sea. Founded in ancient times (38 BCE), it has served as the capital of Dalmatia, the Kingdom of Dalmatia, and Zadar County, and was historically known as Zara during Venetian rule. Today, Zadar is a regional administrative, cultural, and tourist center with a population of approximately 70,779 residents (2021 census).

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** Zadar
- **Location:** Zadar County, Croatia; coordinates 44.11416666666667°N, 15.2275°E
- **Country:** Croatia (since 1992)
- **Historical Countries:** Republic of Venice (1409–1797), Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918–1945), Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)
- **Administrative Status:** Capital of Zadar County, former capital of Kingdom of Dalmatia and Zadar-Knin County (1993–1997)
- **Area:** 192.4 km² total; 51.3 km² settlement area
- **Population:** 70,779 (2021 Croatian census, preferred); 75,082 (2011)
- **Elevation:** 5 metres above sea level
- **Timezone:** UTC+01:00
- **Postal Code:** 23000
- **Telephone Area Code:** 023
- **License Plate Code:** ZD
- **Founding:** 38 BCE (ancient Iader)
- **University:** University of Zadar, founded 1396
- **Demonym:** Zadranin (masculine singular); zaratini (masculine plural)
- **Patron Saint:** Anastasia of Sirmium
- **Website:** https://www.grad-zadar.hr/
- **Notable Identifiers:** VIAF ID 144237547; GND ID 4108909-1; GeoNames ID 3186952; OpenStreetMap Node ID 1832917478

## FAQs

**What is Zadar historically known as?**
Zadar was historically known as Zara (Italian: Zara) during the period of Venetian rule from 1409 to 1797, and this name appears in historical documents and in identifiers such as GND, Treccani, and SBN authority records.

**What counties and regions is Zadar part of?**
Zadar is located in Zadar County, Croatia, and is part of the NUTS region called Adriatic Croatia. Historically, it was part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1992.

**What is Zadar the capital of?**
Zadar is the capital of Zadar County. Historically, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dalmatia (a crown land of the Austrian Empire/Austria-Hungary from 1815 to 1918), the province of Dalmatia, and Zadar-Knin County from 1993 to 1997.

**What notable landmarks and attractions does Zadar have?**
Zadar features the Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, the Sea Organ (an architectural sound art object inaugurated April 15, 2005), the Monument to the Sun (2008), the Roman forum, the Monastery of St. Francis Assisi (founded 1221), and St. Mary's Church (founded 1066).

**What sports facilities and teams are in Zadar?**
Zadar has Krešimir Ćosić Hall (sports arena, opened 2008), Stadion Stanovi (football stadium, opened 1979), and is home to football club NK Zadar (founded 1949), basketball team KK Sonik-Puntamika (founded 1974), and the Jazine Basketball Hall.

**What museums and cultural institutions are located in Zadar?**
The Archaeological Museum Zadar was founded in 1832 and houses significant collections of ancient artifacts. The city also has the University of Zadar (founded 1396), one of Croatia's oldest universities.

**What islands are administered by the city of Zadar?**
The City of Zadar administers several islands including Dugi otok, Iž, Veli Iž, Rava, Silba, Premuda, Olib, Ist, Zapuntel, Škarda, Crno, Babindub, Mali Iž, Brgulje, and Petrčane.

**What twin towns does Zadar have?**
Zadar is twinned with Dundee (since 2014), Reggio Emilia (since 1972), Romans-sur-Isère (since 1985), Fürstenfeldbruck (since 1989), Prilep, Iquique (since 2003), Padua (since 2003), Székesfehérvár (since 1997), Veliko Tarnovo (since 2008), and Banská Bystrica (since 1995).

**What awards has Zadar received?**
Zadar received the Medal of Military Valour, an Italian medal established in 1833, recognizing military achievements during historical conflicts.

**What is the University of Zadar?**
The University of Zadar is a Croatian university founded in 1396, making it one of the oldest continuously operating universities in Southeast Europe. Its headquarters are located at coordinates 44.111295°N, 15.226135°E.

## Why It Matters

Zadar matters as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the Adriatic coast, with roots dating back to ancient Roman times when it was known as Iader. The city's strategic position made it a coveted prize for multiple empires—Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austrian, and Yugoslav—each leaving architectural and cultural imprints that define its character today. As the historical capital of Dalmatia and a major port, Zadar served as a gateway between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and religious influence across centuries.

In modern Croatia, Zadar retains regional significance as the administrative seat of Zadar County and a hub for higher education (University of Zadar, 1396), sports (home to NK Zadar football club and Krešimir Ćosić Hall), and tourism. The city's Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun, both created by architect Nikola Bašić and inaugurated in 2005 and 2008 respectively, have become iconic symbols of contemporary Croatian design and public art, attracting international attention. Zadar's role as a twin city with ten European municipalities demonstrates its ongoing commitment to international cooperation and cultural exchange.

The city's archipelago, comprising islands like Dugi otok, Iž, Silba, and Rava, forms an integral part of its municipal jurisdiction, supporting maritime traditions and tourism. Zadar's preservation of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance heritage—including the Roman forum, Church of St. Donatus, and Zadar Cathedral—makes it a living museum of European urban history.

## Notable For

- One of the oldest cities on the Croatian Adriatic, founded as Iader in 38 BCE
- Home to the Sea Organ (2005), the world's first architectural sound art object played by the sea
- Location of the University of Zadar, founded in 1396—one of Europe's oldest universities
- Former capital of the Kingdom of Dalmatia (1815–1918) under Austrian rule
- Contains the Archaeological Museum Zadar, founded in 1832
- Birthplace of notable basketball figure Krešimir Ćosić, after whom the main sports arena is named
- Houses the Chest of Saint Simeon, a renowned medieval sarcophagus
- Known for its well-preserved Roman forum and Venetian city walls
- Administrative center for a municipality encompassing 25 islands
- Recipient of the Medal of Military Valour for historical military achievements

## Body

### Historical Overview

Zadar's history stretches back to ancient times, founded as the Roman settlement of Iader in 38 BCE. The city was later known as Zara during the medieval and early modern periods. Under Venetian rule from 1409 to 1797, Zadar served as a key administrative center in Dalmatia. Following the fall of Venice, the city came under Austrian Habsburg control.

After World War I, Zadar became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1918, then the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945 as part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia. Since Croatia's independence in 1991 (formalized in 1992), Zadar has been a city in the Republic of Croatia and the capital of Zadar County.

### Geography and Administration

Zadar is located on the Adriatic coast at coordinates 44.11416666666667°N, 15.2275°E, with an elevation of 5 metres above sea level. The municipality covers 192.4 km², while the settlement itself spans 51.3 km². The city shares borders with Nin, Bibinje, Zemunik Donji, and Poličnik.

The city administers a significant archipelago including the islands of Dugi otok, Iž, Veli Iž, Rava, Silba, Premuda, Olib, Ist, Zapuntel, Škarda, Crno, Babindub, Mali Iž, Brgulje, and Petrčane. This extensive island territory makes Zadar one of the largest coastal municipalities in Croatia by area.

### Demographics and Society

As of the 2021 Croatian census, Zadar has a population of 70,779 residents, down from 75,082 in 2011. The demonym for residents is "Zadranin" (masculine singular) and "zaratini" (masculine plural). The city serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of Zadar County.

### Architecture and Landmarks

Zadar's urban landscape reflects its layered history through Roman, medieval, Venetian, and modern elements:

**Religious Buildings:**
- Church of St. Donatus—a landmark Byzantine-influenced church
- Zadar Cathedral—the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar (established 1964)
- Monastery of St. Francis Assisi, founded in 1221
- St. Mary's Church, founded in 1066
- Church of Saint Simeon, housing the famous Chest of Saint Simeon

**Roman Heritage:**
- Roman forum in Zadar—remains of the ancient city center
- Archaeological Museum Zadar, founded in 1832

**Modern Landmarks:**
- Sea Organ (Morske orgulje)—architectural sound art object inaugurated April 15, 2005, using sea waves to create musical sounds through pipes
- Monument to the Sun (Spomenik Suncu)—inaugurated 2008, featuring a large solar panel array and LED display

### Education and Culture

The University of Zadar, founded in 1396, is one of Croatia's oldest educational institutions. Located at 44.111295°N, 15.226135°E, it continues to serve as a major center for higher education in Dalmatia.

The city hosts numerous cultural institutions including the Archaeological Museum Zadar and various historical churches. The city is associated with the bilingual weekly newspaper "Il Regio Dalmata – Kraglski Dalmatin," founded in 1806.

### Sports and Recreation

Zadar has a rich sporting tradition with several notable facilities:

- Krešimir Ćosić Hall—a sports arena opened in 2008, named after the famous Croatian basketball player and coach
- Stadion Stanovi—football stadium opened in 1979
- Jazine Basketball Hall—owned by Krešimir Ćosić Hall

Sports clubs include:
- NK Zadar—football club founded in 1949
- KK Sonik-Puntamika—basketball team founded in 1974

### Transportation and Infrastructure

Zadar is served by Zadar Airport, an international airport serving the city and surrounding region. The city has the postal code 23000 and telephone area code 023. The vehicle license plate code is ZD. The UN/LOCODE for Zadar is HRZAD.

### International Relations

Zadar maintains twin city relationships with ten municipalities across Europe:
- Dundee, Scotland (since August 30, 2014)
- Reggio Emilia, Italy (since June 2, 1972)
- Romans-sur-Isère, France (since June 10, 1985)
- Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany (since October 9, 1989)
- Prilep, North Macedonia
- Iquique, Chile (since June 30, 2003)
- Padua, Italy (since April 29, 2003)
- Székesfehérvár, Hungary (since March 1, 1997)
- Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (since September 30, 2008)
- Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (since 1995)

### Identifiers and Authority Records

Zadar is catalogued in numerous international authority systems:
- VIAF: 144237547
- GND: 4108909-1 (preferred, since 1947); 1222247-1 (former, until 1947)
- GeoNames: 3186952
- Library of Congress: n79125138
- Bibliothèque nationale de France: 11972592n
- FAST: 1206743
- MusicBrainz Area ID: 8ef285f6-869a-491b-a783-93e2ce72fdb7
- OpenStreetMap Node: 1832917478; Relation: 5404230
- Pleiades: 197312
- Getty TGN: 7015549

The city has Wikipedia articles in over 100 languages, with a sitelink count of 102.

## References

1. Register of spatial units of the State Geodetic Administration of the Republic of Croatia
2. [Source](https://www.grad-zadar.hr/povelje-o-prijateljstvu-436)
3. [Source](https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/news/article?article_ref=3610)
4. [Source](https://www.grad-zadar.hr/povelje-o-prijateljstvu-436/)
5. [Source](https://www.comune.re.it/argomenti/relazioni-internazionali/gemellaggi-e-cittadinanze-onorarie/zadar-croazia)
6. [Source](http://www.grad-zadar.hr/povelje-o-prijateljstvu-436)
7. [Source](http://www.comune.padova.it/informazione/zara-croazia)
8. [Source](https://www.szekesfehervar.hu/zadar)
9. [Source](http://eng.banskabystrica.sk/?id_kat_for_menu=2367&firmy_slovenska_flag=0)
10. [Source](https://www.grad-zadar.hr/gradovi-prijatelji-437/)
11. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. List of Croatian settlements and delivery post offices. 2022
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Czech National Authority Database
16. MusicBrainz
17. 2021 Croatian census: population data by age, sex, settlement
18. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
19. GeoNames
20. BBC Things
21. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/hr.htm)
22. [Source](https://it-ch.topographic-map.com/map-md921h/Zara/?zoom=19&center=44.11428%2C15.22766&popup=44.11447%2C15.22767)
23. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
24. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
25. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/50b9094b-8db8-400e-b640-80b18bf303f9)
26. Provenio