Zadar
Zadar was the first town on Croatian soil to have a University in 1396. (It was founded by the Dominican order on the grounds of their Monastery of St. Dominic). The settlements of the Zadar county came into existence in an area favorable for man's livelihood in the very centre of the Croatian coast, enclosed by many islands and with a lake, river and rich hinterland, protected harbors and extremely appropriate climate are reasons why many an army frequented it - destruction and reconstruction have always been a way of life.
Cultural sights in Zadar:
St. Donatus' Church from the 9th century - unique in Europe, The Monastery of St. Francis, Forum from the 1st century, St. Stosija's Cathedral, St. Grisogono's Church, Bell Tower of St. Mary's Church, The Churches of St. Peter and Andrew the Elder from the 5th - 6th centuries, St. Simon's casket ,The fortification walls with a first rate renaissance Land Gate from the 16th century, The Sea Gate with an incorporated Roman arch, The Permanent Ecclesiastic Art exhibition- where the main exhibits are gilded religious objects in the shape of relics, as well as pictures from the churches of Zadar and surroundings.
Famous National park near Zadar is "Paklenica" .
