Church of St. Mary Benedictine Monastery
A historic Benedictine monastery in Zadar, Croatia, featuring Romanesque frescoes and a remarkable collection of religious art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Church of St. Mary Benedictine Monastery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Benedictine monastery in Zadar, Croatia, featuring Romanesque frescoes and a remarkable collection of religious art.
"The Silver and Gold Collection is unbelievable, and the views from the bell tower are absolutely amazing!"
🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly forbidden in the exhibition halls. Respect the rules to preserve the sanctity of the artifacts.
💰 Entry Fee for Collection
There's a fee (around 30 kunas) to enter the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Silver and Gold Collection
Museum attached to the church
An awe-inspiring collection of religious artifacts, including relics of saints, from the 13th-17th centuries.
Romanesque Frescoes
Discover ancient Romanesque frescoes that adorn the church walls, offering a glimpse into centuries of artistic and spiritual history.
Bell Tower Views
Bell Tower
Climb the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Zadar and the surrounding Adriatic coastline.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respecting the Sacred Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly forbidden in the exhibition halls. Respect the rules to preserve the sanctity of the artifacts.
💰 Entry Fee for Collection
There's a fee (around 30 kunas) to enter the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition.
🚶♀️ Explore the Chapel
Don't miss the serene chapel at the end of the souvenir shop corridor.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing some walking and climbing stairs to the bell tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly forbidden in the exhibition halls. Respect the rules to preserve the sanctity of the artifacts.
💰 Entry Fee for Collection
There's a fee (around 30 kunas) to enter the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition.
🚶♀️ Explore the Chapel
Don't miss the serene chapel at the end of the souvenir shop corridor.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing some walking and climbing stairs to the bell tower.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
The monastery is a working convent; hours for the museum can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Church of St. Mary for its significant Silver and Gold Collection, highlighting the impressive religious artifacts and historical relics. The panoramic views from the bell tower are consistently lauded as breathtaking. However, some find the parking lot detracts from the atmosphere, and the strict no-photography rule inside the exhibition can be a point of contention for some.
"The Benedictine Monastery of Saint Maria is a lovely, working monastery. The nuns sell embroidery, home made liquor and food items. There is also an unbelievable collection of gold and silver religious artifacts many containing relics of Saints. No photography is allowed of the collection."
Louis and Elaine
"A small, simple Romanesque style church located just off the old Roman forum. In the four days that I was in Zadar it was never open, so I'm not sure if it's open to the public. There is a monastery and a small museum attached to the church. There is also a rather large parking lot located right next to it which detracts quite a bit from its old-world charm. Still, it is a nice backdrop for photos, and a picturesque landmark."
Bobby C
"Made the visit in August 2022, entry ticket was 15 kn. The climb to the top includes 5 sets of stairs, and the view from the top is absolutely amazing as it overlooks the entire city of Zadar and the surrounding area."
Silvia Kurolt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is located in the heart of Zadar's old town, near the Roman Forum and St. Donatus' Church. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the historic center. There's also a parking lot nearby, though it can detract from the atmosphere.
Yes, there is a rather large parking lot located right next to the church, which some visitors find detracts from its old-world charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The monastery itself is a working convent. The Silver and Gold Collection exhibition typically opens from 10:00 to 13:00 and again from 17:00 to 19:00 daily. It's always best to confirm these hours locally as they can change.
There is an entry fee for the Silver and Gold Collection, which was around 30 kunas as of August 2022.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the exhibition halls and museum. This is to respect the religious artifacts and the sanctity of the space.
While it's a working monastery, parts of it, including the church and the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition, are open to the public during specific hours.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the exhibition. You can purchase tickets upon arrival during the opening hours.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's a religious art exhibition featuring an impressive collection of gold and silver artifacts, many containing relics of saints, dating from the 13th to 17th centuries. Visitors are often in awe of the craftsmanship and historical significance.
You can see the Romanesque church itself, ancient frescoes, the bell tower with city views, and the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition. There's also a chapel and a souvenir shop.
Yes, the nuns sell handmade embroidery, homemade liquor, and food items. There's also a souvenir shop.
The climb to the top of the bell tower offers absolutely amazing panoramic views overlooking the entire city of Zadar and the surrounding area.
The church is a small, simple Romanesque style church, dating back to 1066.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants inside the monastery itself. However, being in the heart of Zadar's old town, you'll find numerous dining options just a short walk away.
Yes, the nuns sell homemade food items, along with embroidery and liquor, in their souvenir shop.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the church, especially with the Roman Forum in the background, makes for a picturesque landmark. The view from the bell tower is also spectacular.
Absolutely not. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the Silver and Gold Collection exhibition to preserve the sanctity of the relics.
Yes, the church is in an amazing area with other historical sites like St. Donatus' Church and the Roman Forum, offering many photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to emphasize the no photography rule to children beforehand to avoid disappointment. Consider visiting during less crowded times to maintain a calmer atmosphere. The surrounding area, with the Roman Forum, also provides open spaces for children to explore before or after visiting the monastery.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Exploring the Roman Forum and nearby St. Donatus' Church in conjunction with St. Mary's allows for a comprehensive understanding of Zadar's rich past. The architectural evolution from Roman times through the Romanesque period is palpable in this area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Silver and Gold Collection: A Treasure Trove
Visitors often remark on the intriguing curation, noting how different body parts of the same saint might be displayed separately, and the opportunity to compare artistic depictions of the Madonna and Child across different eras and artists. While photography is strictly prohibited, the sheer volume and historical weight of the artifacts make it a profoundly moving experience.
It's important to note that this is a working monastery, and the collection is housed within its premises. The nuns themselves are involved in selling handmade goods, adding a unique, personal touch to the visitor experience.
Architectural Significance and Views
For those seeking a broader perspective, climbing the bell tower is highly recommended. The ascent involves several sets of stairs, but the reward is absolutely amazing panoramic views over Zadar, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. This vantage point offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the city's layout and its stunning coastal setting, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers alike.
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