Have you already booked a
wonderful villa in Dalmatia with us and are you now looking for
excursion destinations? Dalmatia is known for its rich tourist offer, many natural and cultural sights and abounds in
archaeological sites that reveal interesting things from the distant past. From Zadar all the way to Dubrovnik, there are numerous sites that attract visitors from all over the world, so we recommend that you embark on an archaeological adventure, and
go on a tour. We have singled out the most interesting sites and we are sure that after visiting them, you will get the urge to discover those sites that have not been mentioned! Let's start researching archeological sites and all the secrets they hide…
The city of Zadar, which houses the
world-famous "Sea Organ" and right next to them the monument
"Greeting to the Sun", hides interesting archaeological sites worth visiting. Zadar (lat. Iader), hides a rich past, so it is not surprising that there are many archeological excavations. In the very center of the city in front of the early medieval church of St. Donat is
the largest Roman forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic. The forum was built in the 1st century BC. and the final form was given in the 3rd century.
The
Roman Forum in Zadar was founded by Emperor Augustus, who is referred to as Parens coloniae. The forum was bordered by shops, and had a capitol that forms the heart of every Roman city. On the expanse of the capitol was a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, where in ancient times, a complex with a basilica, a baptistery and outbuildings was built. Remains of sidewalks in the area by the sea, indicate where the market space was once located . Trade and traffic along the city port took place here. Take a walk along this valuable archeological site, indulge in the
charms of history and enjoy the view of the open sea that stretches in front of you!
The city of Nin (lat. Aenona), is located not far from the city of Zadar, and has an important historic role. Nin was the
city of Croatian kings, from which the territory was ruled and managed. However, even before the arrival of the Croats, Nin played an important role, as evidenced by the
rich and significant archaeological sites in the very center of the city. Nin was a commercial and administrative center during Roman rule. The trading port was located not far from the city, in the area of today's town of Zaton. During the research of the port, the remains of Liburnian ships from the 2nd century BC were found, and the port was also used as a port for Roman galleys.
The importance of the city of Nin is evidenced by the
remains of a Roman necropolis, houses and mosaics with plant and animal motifs, Roman money and precious metals found during archaeological excavations. In the city was the forum with the capitol, a monumental temple from the 1st century B.C. dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva and was the largest on the east coast of the Adriatic. The importance of the city is evidenced by the aqueduct, and based on that it is assumed that the city also had
thermal baths. To complete the tour of the city, visit the church of St. Cross in which
Croatian kings were crowned. The church is located on a small hill, and will surprise you with its asymmetrical architecture, and it is interesting to mention that it was used as a sundial and calendar.
Near the town of
Sibenik, there are
world-famous Krka waterfalls, which have been attracting visitors from all over the world for years. The waterfalls amaze with their size and beauty, and are worth a visit in every season. However, inside the Krka National Park is hidden the archeological site „
Burnum“, which probably originated in the time of Augustus. The Roman camp Burnum, with its territory, contained an amphitheater that was built in the time of Emperor Claudius and was renovated during the reign of Vespasian. The „campus“ was used for military training, and was located near the amphitheater, as evidenced by the well-preserved arches of the command camp. The site is extremely well preserved, and visitors are advised to take a tour during the
„Burnum event“, which takes place in August.
Not far from the city of Split, lies
Solin (lat. Salona), which was the
center of ancient Dalmatia. The city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, and soon its development began, as evidenced by rich archaeological sites. Salona was connected with the most remote parts of the empire by Emperor Augustus, which accelerated the city's development. The city grew rapidly, the city walls were built and it became the
largest ancient metropolitan area on the east coast of the Adriatic. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a theater, an amphitheater and a spacious town square were built.
In the center of today's city of Solin is the
Archaeological Park, which covers about 100,000 square meters. In the 1st century BC an aqueduct was built to supply the city with water from the Jadra spring. In the center of the city was a forum with a capitol and a theater that had room for 3,000 spectators, also a temple dedicated to Liber was build. The city gates (lat. Porta Caesarea) were bordered by towers, and in the western part of the city was the
amphitheater for 17,000 spectators. In the 5th and 6th centuries, two basilicas, a baptistery and a bishop's court were built in Solin. Next to the Basilica of the Martyr Domnius there is a large open-air cementery, also named sub divio. Explore the Roman Salona by visiting the "
Route of the Roman Emperors" and learn more about its rich and interesting history!
The city of Split is an unavoidable tourist destination that offers a wide range of services to its visitors, which is why many remain loyal to the city and return. It can be said that the city itself is a
great archaeological site whose history can be found in
every corner of the city! The city of Split developed from
Diocletian's Palace, which was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian between 295 and 305. Diocletian's Palace has the shape of an irregular quadrangle, and is a military camp as well as a
luxury residence. The palace was entered through a richly decorated north gate, later called the
Golden Gate. To the central part of the palace called „
Peristile“ is reached by „Cardo Street“. The peristyle was intended for the
representative ceremonies of the emperor. To the east of the peristyle are the temple of Jupiter and the mausoleum of the emperor, which is decorated with reliefs. During archeological excavations mosaics and remains of thermal baths were found at several locations inside the palace. The „
Vestibule“ is the name for the room in front of the emperor's apartment. The cellar of Diocletian's Palace is one of the best preserved, dating from late antique. Inside the palace there were
12 sphinxes from Egypt. Take a tour and find out where the preserved sphinxes are hidden!
Petra Stazic
4.2.22
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
