Discovering less known historical attractions in Northern Dalmatia

With stories and legends and knowledge about cultural-historical heritage of a holiday destination time spent there becomes so much more rewarding. It allows you to get a complete picture of what life once was like and how it has changed.

While the focus in northern Dalmatia mostly lies in the magnificent historical city of Zadar as well as charming towns of Nin and Pag, there are a number of historical villages and locations that invite you to a trip of discovery. So, follow the traces of history in Zadar region and take a pick among the following:

Past in beautiful nature - Starigrad Paklenica

At the foot of Velebit mountain with Paklenica National Park in the background, the area where today the village of Starigrad and a few others stand has been inhabited for more than several millennia as testified by different historical monuments. Visit medieval St Peter’s Church and 16th century Večka Tower and find out more about the ancient way of life by learning more about Starigrad’s story of water and the wells, hill forts made of dry stone as well as ‘mirila’ stone monuments.

Along Zrmanja to Obrovac and Krupa

A trip to the amazing Zrmanja river and canyon allows you to stop at Obrovac, a town that had major geopolitical importance throughout history. The remains of a medieval fort on a hillock overlooking the town illustrate the battles it had to face. Further upstream you get to Zrmanja’s tributary, Krupa, which has a few wonderful cultural-historical sights apart from breathtaking scenery such as 14th century Krupa monastery, a century-old river mill and Kuda bridge made of dry stones.

From mainland to the island - Biograd to Pašman

Similarly to Nin, Biograd na Moru south of Zadar is another example of a town that used to be the seat of medieval Croatian kings and bishops. In the meantime, it has lost its political significance to Zadar and today it has a typical Dalmatian charm and a few historical monuments to tell its story. Just opposite the town, on the island of Pašman, you can visit Benedictine Monastery of Saints Cosmas and Damian on Čokovac hill built in the 12th century.

Discovering Benkovac and Asseria

Situated in midst of Ravni kotari, the town of Benkovac once had a defensive role and was a centre of trade. To this day, Benkovac fair is widely known and keeps attracting people to experience authentic trading. The town is also famous for its 15th century medieval Benković castle on a hill as well as for nearby location of ancient Liburnian and Roman town of Asseria with traces of ancient aqueduct and forum.

Off the beaten historical path

A tour of historical towns which includes Zadar, Nin and Pag gives the visitors a general idea of cultural-historical heritage in the region, while less known historical locations and villages complete the picture. They are a reminder of harsh life, constant threats in history and, most importantly, survival. With breathtaking nature all around, they take you on an inspiring trip of discovery.

Image source: Grad Obrovac