Sailing through the night, the Viking Star reached the port of Zadar, Croatia just as the sun was rising. Docking directly next to access to the city, we were able to walk off the ship to join directly our walking tour of the old city. The harbor has a modern seafront promenade which incorporates a "sea organ" - acoustic tubes connected below the water so that each wave produces a sound in a random but pleasing order.
Zadar is one of two stops we will be making in the nation of Croatia, which, like Slovenia, is a product of the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990's. The city is the site of early habitations, including the Romans who built the streets and a forum and a temple dedicated to Jupiter. Remnants of the forum and temple are still visible, some of which were uncovered by the bombing during the previous wars.
Also like Koper, Zadar was taken over by the Venetians as a part of its empire for at least 500 years, part of the domination of that extended down the Adriatic coast. Its influence is everywhere, especially in the architecture of many of the older buildings, and the Lion of St Mark on the city gates.
Our guide was knowledgeable and led us through the maze of cobblestone streets, much of which had been laid out by the Romans in straight lines. The arrival of Christianity in the city is evidenced by the many churches, including the cathedral dedicated to the city's patron saint, Chrysogonus.
We also were able to visit a liturgical relics museum where sacred and precious artifacts are preserved, displayed and guarded by an order of nuns.
After lunch we made our way back to the city, this time looking beyond the walls of the old city to see portions of modern Zadar. Between the tour and our own foray, we covered over six miles.
The lecture for the day was delivered by Ms. Angela Schneider, who gave us an overview of the history, art and architecture of Dubrovnik, Croatia, which is our destination for tomorrow.
After another delicious dinner with our friends, we are happy to call it a day. But, tomorrow will bring more adventures. Stay tuned...
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