Church St.Donat in Zadar

St. Donat Church in Zadar from the 9th century
First, when we approach a historic building, we always feel a certain emotion. Indeed, we are reminded of the many men who laboriously worked in ancient times on the building that appears before us. Similarly, to us these workers had their own lives with worries and joys.

The Church of St. Donat in Zadar: historical background

Incidentally, we are in the historic centre Zadar. In fact, the building we see stands on the ruins of an ancient Roman forum. In fact, the church was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity, but in the 15th century it was given its present name. Particularly Bishop Donatus according to tradition built the church in the early 9th century.
As for the first mention of the Church St. Donat in a writing is around the year 950 in the work of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.

St. Donat: the architecture of Zadar

About the building, we note the circular shap. The architecture is from the early Byzantine architecture of the early Middle Ages. In particular, the shape is that of the double circular ring typical of the buildings of Europe at that time.
However, the church has not preserved the primordial form. Although the southern part of the building was demolished in 1930, the central circular core remained intact.

On the other hand, the church is an integral part of the episcopal complex and is connected to the early Christian cathedral and the bishop’s palace.

St. Donat the characteristics

First, to know that in the eastern part of the central cylindrical structure there are three apses. Then, in the southern part under the roof there are three openings that from the gallery led into the missing part of the present building.
However, until 1798 the church was used as a place of worship.
Especially interesting to glimpse the ancient remains of the walls such as fragments of columns, capitals, and various architectural elements of antiquity.

Being in such an ancient place gives us pause for thought. In fact, there are mixed feelings; we feel proud to be part of the adventure of life, to witness history, to notice what greatness human beings are capable of.
Moreover, we reflect how important it is to know the roots, study the past and learn so as not to repeat the mistakes.

St. Donat: the pavement

On the other hand, from the multitude of pieces of stone in the foundations, the remains of the altar bearing an inscription dedicated to the Goddess Juno are of particular interest.
But the original pavement has been removed. In any case what we see today is the pavement of the Roman forum.
In addition there are six pillars and two columns separating the central chamber from the circular ambulatory. Then the same origin of the columns and pillars is repeated in the gallery as well. In fact, it is thought that the gallery was also used for liturgical ceremonies in Zadar.
Since the acoustics are excellent, concerts are held in this place for over fifty years. Thus, the city of Croatia attracts Croatian and world masters to delight the audience with good music.

How long to visit St. Donat in Zadar

Finally in our opinion one hour is more than enough for the visit since inside it is bare. The cost is 20 Kuna per person.
So that you can also take home a very nice picture memory, photograph St. Donat in the evening when it is illuminated. In fact, the white stone exterior is very distinctive!

In summary, for more information on what to do and see in Zadar we leave you with the city’s tourist board site. Overall, the calendar of events is always very rich so there is entertainment for every taste and age.
Just as we like to mention how we like to spend our time in Zadar on a typical day.

Visiting one of the best islands in Croatia

Overall, visiting archaeological sites with important evidence always enriches us and leaves good feelings. But besides history and culture if you feel like living into a small intact natural world come and discover the magic of the island Dugi otok. Here you will enter a new dimension from the scents of Mediterranean herbs and the sounds of the sea.

This island of Croatia is a small ancient world of peace, simple life, and beautiful things.
Come to Dugi otok at the Gorgonia apartments.