The Promenade, Zadar (must see)

Zadar was never conquered by the Ottomans. In large part, this was because of its elaborate system of defensive walls. It was the largest fortified city in the Venetian Empire. After 1813 sieges were no longer a threat. Between 1871 and 1874, the southernmost ramparts were demolished, leaving space for a waterfront promenade.

"I cover the waterfront," this is easy to say in Zadar. The seaside Promenade wraps around 2,464 feet of the city shorefront. The walls were renewed in 2020. The Promenade was reopened to the public on 15 April 2005.

Zadar has been called the "Stone Vessel." It is located on a small elongated peninsula. The shape of the city, seen from above, some say, looks very much like a ship of stone. During World War II, Zadar, home to a German garrison, was bombed repeatedly by Allied planes. The reconstructed seawall was a chaotic effort and a bit of a failure.

In 2005, an arrival jetty for cruise ships was opened. The jetty connects to the Promenade, which follows the southwestern shore. The Sea Organ is at the juncture of the jetty and the Promenade. A flight of wide white marble steps reaches down to the water's edge. There are seven parallel flights, presenting a staggered silhouette. The steps make a perfect platform for watching the sunset over the sea and the island of Ugljan.