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Cathedral of St. Anastasia
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Katedrala sv. Stošije) in Zadar is the largest church in Dalmatia and a pinnacle of Romanesque architecture in Croatia. The current three-naved basilica was primarily built during the 12th and 13th centuries atop the remains of an earlier early Christian structure. Its west facade is renowned for its horizontal arcades and two large rose windows, showcasing the intricate stonework characteristic of the period. The cathedral's history is deeply tied to the Siege of Zadar in 1202 during the Fourth Crusade, when it suffered extensive damage before being later restored and expanded. Inside, the sanctuary holds the relics of St. Anastasia in a marble sarcophagus dating back to the 9th century. The bell tower, reaching a height of 54 meters, took centuries to complete; its lower sections date to the 15th century, while the upper floors were added in 1892 following the designs of English architect Thomas Graham Jackson. Climbing the tower provides visitors with a spectacular vantage point overlooking the Roman Forum and the Zadar archipelago.
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A postcard from Cathedral of St. Anastasia
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Create a postcard- Location: Croatia
- Highlights: Cathedral of Saint Anastasia · Church of St. Donatus · Tower of Sv. Stosija
- Nearby: Poljana, Ugljan (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 100 | 78 | 66 | 65 | 48 | 40 | 47 | 102 | 93 | 129 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Largest church in Dalmatia
- Mainly built in 12th-13th century
- Bell tower stands 54 meters tall
- Damaged during 1202 Crusade
- Features two large rose windows
- Houses relics of St. Anastasia
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Sights in the town Cathedral of St. Anastasia (10)
Archeological Museum Zadar🏛 museum
Museum in Croatia, displaying archaeological finds from the Zadar region.
Zlato i srebro Zadra🏛 museum
Museum in Croatia, exhibition of gold and silver craftsmanship from Zadar.
Kolomanov zvonik
Bell tower in Zadar, named after King Coloman, part of the cityscape.
Samostan svete Marije
Monastery in Zadar, Benedictine abbey with a church and museum.
crkva svetog Krševana
Roman Catholic church in Zadar, Croatia, dedicated to Saint Chrysogonus.
City museum🏛 museum
City museum in Zadar, presenting the history and culture of the town.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Anastasia Cathedral the largest in Dalmatia?
Can you climb the bell tower?
What is the architectural highlight of the facade?
What relics are kept here?
When was the cathedral built?
Cathedral of St. Anastasia: where is it located?
Cathedral of St. Anastasia: what is there to see?
Cathedral of St. Anastasia: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
