Zadar Cathedral St. Anastasia
Monumental Romanesque cathedral with a richly decorated interior and scenic views from its bell tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Zadar Cathedral St. Anastasia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monumental Romanesque cathedral with a richly decorated interior and scenic views from its bell tower.
"Climb the bell tower for breathtaking views; the cathedral's architecture is impressive."
Climb for the Views
Don't miss the bell tower climb for spectacular city and sea vistas! :camerawithflash:
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the cathedral. :dress:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bell Tower Ascent
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Climb 180 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Zadar's old town and the Adriatic Sea.
Richly Decorated Interior
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Admire the impressive Romanesque architecture and detailed decorations within the cathedral.
Organ Music Performances
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Experience the powerful acoustics with performances on the cathedral's renowned organ.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bell Tower Views & Entry Fees
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Climb for the Views
Don't miss the bell tower climb for spectacular city and sea vistas! :camerawithflash:
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the cathedral. :dress:
Ticket Options
Tickets for the tower or tower+cathedral are available. Cash payment is common. :euro:
Lunch Break Alert
Staff may take a lunch break around 1-2 PM, affecting access. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Climb for the Views
Don't miss the bell tower climb for spectacular city and sea vistas! :camerawithflash:
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the cathedral. :dress:
Ticket Options
Tickets for the tower or tower+cathedral are available. Cash payment is common. :euro:
Lunch Break Alert
Staff may take a lunch break around 1-2 PM, affecting access. :clock1:
Organ Music Magic
Check for organ performances; the acoustics are incredible! :musical_score: 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the spectacular views from the bell tower and the cathedral's impressive Romanesque architecture. However, some express dissatisfaction with the entrance fees, viewing it as a commercialization of a religious site. Others find the interior less remarkable unless they are history buffs or attending mass.
"As some already stated this “church” operates as a Pharisee business model charging God fearing people entrance fee. Who does that???
The house of God should be free to enter and pray for anyone and everyone who wishes to do so and not converted into a tourist attraction. Looks like the time Jesus himself warned us about is here: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”
John 4:23 NKJV
There are far better tourist spots, bypass this one."
Katie di Nard
"An old Church but well maintained, built centuries back.
It has a Bell tower from which you can see the old town from above. The view is spectacular."
Wadad Lahad
"I am not a church goer or lover but this cathedral is well worth a visit. We even attended the 11am mass on Sunday to enjoy the fabulous tenor singer and choir."
Tom Hallahan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is located in the heart of Zadar's old town, making it easily accessible on foot. If you're arriving by car, park in one of the nearby public parking lots outside the old town walls and walk in. Public transport options are limited directly to the cathedral, but buses stop near the old town entrance.
The ground floor of the cathedral is generally accessible, but the bell tower involves climbing many stairs, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs. Visitors with mobility issues may want to focus on the interior of the cathedral and its immediate surroundings.
Exploring Zadar's old town on foot is the best way to discover its charm. The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is a central landmark, and many other attractions like the Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church are within easy walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to climb the bell tower and to enter the cathedral itself. Tickets typically cost around €3 for the tower or €5 for both the tower and the cathedral.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cathedral is open daily. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, especially as staff may take a lunch break around 1-2 PM.
Yes, as it is a place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Ensure your shoulders are covered and your shorts or skirt are knee-length or longer to be allowed entry into the cathedral.
Information on online ticket purchases is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site at the cathedral. Cash payment is often preferred.
Based on visitor feedback, specific discounts are not commonly mentioned. It's best to inquire on-site about any potential concessions, though standard pricing seems to apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find impressive Romanesque architecture, a richly decorated interior, and historical artifacts. Many visitors also attend mass to experience the choir and acoustics.
A quick visit to see the exterior and interior might take 30-45 minutes. If you plan to climb the bell tower and enjoy the views, allow an additional 45-60 minutes.
The bell tower climb involves approximately 180 steps. While there are stops along the way to rest, it requires a moderate level of fitness.
The view from the top of the bell tower is unparalleled for panoramic shots of Zadar. The cathedral's facade and interior also offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunset.
Yes, you can light a candle inside the cathedral for a small fee, typically around €0.50.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the cathedral is located in the heart of Zadar's old town, which is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and konobas (traditional taverns) offering local and international cuisine.
No, eating or drinking is not permitted inside the cathedral to preserve its sanctity and cleanliness.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the cathedral's exterior and the views from the bell tower.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to use tripods discreetly, especially during busy periods or if attending a service, to avoid inconveniencing other visitors or worshippers.
From the bell tower, you'll get stunning panoramic views of Zadar's red-tiled roofs, the surrounding islands, the Adriatic Sea, and the Roman Forum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate details of the Romanesque architecture, both inside and out, also make for compelling subjects. Be mindful of the dress code if you plan to capture interior shots, and consider visiting during less crowded times for unobstructed photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bell Tower: A Zadar Icon
+1 Many travelers highlight this as a must-do activity, emphasizing the breathtaking scenery that makes the climb well worth the effort. It's a fantastic spot for photography, capturing the essence of Zadar from above. Be prepared for a moderate physical challenge, but the payoff is immense.Architectural and Historical Significance
The Cathedral's Musical Heritage
+2 The sound of the organ, particularly the contra bombarde, is described as 'shaking' and 'breathtaking,' offering a unique auditory experience. If you have the chance to attend a performance or even a regular mass, you can witness the cathedral's musical prowess firsthand. 
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