The Mediterranean: Zadar – Venice’s former centre of power on the Adriatic

Zadar is situated on a narrow peninsula, with the archipelago of Northern Dalmatia stretching out before it. Today, the quays are a hive of activity with ferries and pleasure boats. In the Venetian era, however, the city was an administrative centre and a military base on the eastern Adriatic. Our article On the traces of Venice in the Mediterranean region shows the role such ports played in the vast and ramified Stato da Mar.

Dalmatia was governed from Zadar

Zadar was the seat of the Venetian governor-general for Dalmatia and played a central role in the administration of the Venetian possessions on the eastern Adriatic. From here, the coastal towns and islands could be administered, troops supplied and sea routes secured. Its location between the mainland and the offshore islands was ideal for this purpose. At the same time, with the advance of the Ottomans, the defence of the city became a priority. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Venice significantly expanded the fortifications.

The difference between Kotor, Venice’s bulwark on the mountain, is something you notice as soon as you arrive: there, mountains and walls dominate the bay. In Zadar, Venetian power is more evident in the interplay between the harbour, the fortress and the administrative centre.

Approach and Marina

The journey is well worth it for the view of the peninsula alone. Foša is particularly striking on the south-eastern edge of the old town: the small municipal harbour nestles against the Venetian fortress walls, right next to the Land Gate. It is one of Zadar’s landmarks and makes the perfect starting point for a walking tour tracing the city’s Venetian past. However, Foša is primarily a harbour for local boats and should not be booked as a guest berth without prior confirmation.

If you’re planning a longer stay with your own boat, the two marinas within the city limits are worth considering. The Zadar Marina is situated in the central harbour area and offers 300 moorings. Further west is D-Marin Borik, from which the walk to the old town is longer.

There are also a few designated berths for yachts in the passenger harbour on the Old Town side. As regular, excursion and passenger ships all operate there at the same time, crews should check with the harbour authorities in advance regarding the options for use and availability. The Interactive harbour map shows the designated berths.

Zadar can easily be combined with a sailing trip amongst the islands of Northern Dalmatia. The Area information for the route from Zadar to Split provide an overview of charter bases, harbours and anchorages. Anyone planning to spend a night in the city can admire the peninsula from the water and then, once ashore, follow in the footsteps of the Venetian naval power.

​Landgang: From the Land Gate to the Arsenal

A good place to start is the Land Gate, the Porta Terraferma, at the south-eastern entrance to the old town. The Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli designed the gate, which was built in 1543. The Lion of St Mark can be seen above the gateway. Anyone standing in front of it is looking at an entrance that was once part of a much larger defensive complex. Since 2017, the fortress has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the Venetian defences.

Behind the walls, the Providur Palace serves as a reminder of Dalmatia’s administrative history. Further north stands the 16th-century Arsenal, a former harbour warehouse where, amongst other things, ships and naval equipment for war and trade were built and manufactured. It was extended in 1752 and is now an event venue. The Arsenal clearly illustrates the logistical tasks associated with the Venetian naval base.

Book recommendation

Coastal Guide to Croatia and Slovenia By Bodo Müller and Jürgen Straßburger, this guide covers the coastline from Koper to Split, including the waters around Zadar. Charts of harbours, marinas and anchorages, as well as guidance on approaching these areas, will help you prepare for a shore excursion.

What aspect of Zadar’s Venetian past particularly caught your eye during a shore excursion there? Do let us know in the comments.