5 Things You Didn't Know About Zadar's Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

What are Croatia’s top attractions? Apart from amazing nature found in 8 national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and rich cultural historical heritage like UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Šibenik, Zadar or Poreč, there are two modern attractions that have been topping the must-see lists in recent years:

Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, also known as Sun Salutation, both in Zadar. Here is some information you may have missed about these two amazing sights:

1. A decade (and more) of irresistible awwww

Feel inspired as you experience Zadar with all your senses! Relax on the steps of the waterfront promenade and listen to the unique sound of nature played by the Sea Organ. Then take in the one-of-a-kind display of colours, as the sun beautifully sets accompanied by a light show as presented by Greeting to the Sun. Since these modern attractions were introduced, Sea Organ in 2005 and Greeting to the Sun in 2008, the experience of Zadar has completely changed for its visitors. It is now the city that invites you to a very personal interaction with the sea and the sun, the one that not only completes your overall picture of Zadar, but lets you create a truly unique memory you will never forget. It’s the most special souvenir you can take home with.

2. One author, two works of perfection

It takes one Nikola Bašić to create two architectural masterpieces that pay such a tribute to what Zadar and Dalmatia are all about. The renowned architect not only designed what were to become the city’s landmarks, but also showed his love and respect for both nature and his Zadar. It is no surprise, then, that it was precisely Bašić who presented his work to the famous Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, who visited northern Dalmatia a couple of years ago.

3. The sound of nature

The soothing sound of waves is taken to another dimension when they reach the 70-metre long promenade steps that form the Sea Organ. ‘The Orchestra of Nature’ then plays unique tunes on the 35 pipes of different length and diameter underneath the steps. The pipes are tuned to play 7 chords of 5 tones, based on the matrix of traditional Dalmatia klapa songs.

4. Power up ... with the sun

Renewable, energy efficient and, most importantly, breathtaking. Three hundred multi-layered glass plates form Greeting to the Sun on the Zadar’s waterfront. Underneath the glass plates there are solar modules, which are responsible for the amazing light display that happens at the sunset. Apart from the impressive light show, Greeting to the Sun is actually a power plant which transforms solar energy into electricity used for public lights along the entire promenade.

5. Hello Sun, it’s Zadar calling

Ode to the Sun, ode to Zadar. Take a close look at Greeting to the Sun installation and you’ll see that it represents the solar system, with the Sun and the planets in their proportionate sizes. Also, the names of Zadar’s patron saints with the dates of their feasts are carved in the ring that encircles the installation. It truly is a unique way of paying tribute to the city and nature.

See and hear Zadar

Take a moment, sit on a promenade step and let the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun work their magic. Feel inner peace, feel nature around you, feel Zadar!