(Discover) Top 5 Museums in Zadar Region

As a place of extraordinary history and remarkable culture, Zadar region has a great number of sights for visitors to explore and learn about. They reflect what northern Dalmatia has been and still is all about - a place where the traditional and the modern wonderfully co-exist. One of the best ways to find out more about Zadar region, its history and present is to visit the museums, so here are a few suggestions:

1. Museum of Ancient Glass (Zadar)

Starting from the building in which it’s located, the 19th century Cosmacendi Palace overlooking the Jazine harbour, Museum of Ancient Glass takes the visitors down the history lane all the way back to the ancient Roman times. Its exhibits form one of the most remarkable collections of ancient glass in this part of Europe and they help the visitors understand the side of history they don’t normally learn about- the everyday life like it was two thousand or more years ago. Apart from the permanent collection, the museum opens its doors to different exhibitions, lectures and workshops, concerts and performances, and is, therefore, a popular place to visit any time of year. While the entrance ticket costs as little as 30 kunas (less than 4€) for adults, it might be hard to leave the souvenir shop without getting some unique glass jewellery or ancient glass replicas.

2. Archaeological Museum (Zadar)

The second oldest museum in Croatia, situated next to Zadar’s famous landmark - the Roman Forum, takes its visitors on a journey through the history, starting from the very first traces of human presence in the wider region. With more than 100.000 items on a well-organized display, visitors can find out more about pre-historic, ancient, medieval times as well as enjoy the discoveries of underwater archaeology. Similarly to the Museum of Ancient Glass, a single ticket for adults is quite reasonable at 30 kunas, and the gift shop again gives you the opportunity to buy unique, award-winning souvenirs.

3. The Gold and Silver of Zadar

The ‘shiniest’ exhibition, officially known as the Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art - the Gold and Silver of Zadar, contains works of Zadar’s artists and artisans from the 8th to the 18th century. Throughout history, Zadar has always had an important cultural and economical role in Dalmatia, as testified by the exhibition. Items on display include relics, manuscripts, sculptures, embroideries, tapestry, etc. Gold and Silver of Zadar exhibition is located in the convent of St Mary’s Church.

4. Museum of Illusions (Zadar)

Apart from the previously mentioned museums, Zadar’s historical peninsula is the place where you can also enjoy modern exhibitions such as can be found in the Museum of Illusions - a place where families can spend an exciting, yet intriguing time together trying to figure out how optical illusions work. Even though it’s a bit pricier than the others (60 kunas, €8 - a single ticket for adults), it’s still worth the visit particularly for the fun that awaits you.

5. Museum of Salt (Nin)

Situated in Nin, Museum of Salt is another great option for families, particularly over the summer months when every step of the production process can be seen. Salt production has been vital for Nin, and visitors can appreciate the tradition first hand. In addition, they can buy useful, yet quite different souvenirs to take home with, from delicacies such as cookies and chocolate, cosmetics to the finest of the best salt - the so-called Flower of Salt.

Explore Zadar region, discover the museums

Museums are not just places where you can hide from the heat or the rain, they are indeed places to enjoy and learn something new at the same time -  about fascinating history of humanity in a region you visit and traditions and cultures different from your own. Expand your horizons about Zadar region by visiting its museum, and … expect the unexpected.

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