Church of St. Mary

The Church of St. Mary is one of Zadar’s most historically layered sacred sites, founded in 1066 by the noblewoman Čika, whose donation established the Benedictine convent that still stands beside the church. This long continuity of monastic life is one of its most fascinating aspects: few places in Dalmatia have preserved such an unbroken spiritual tradition for nearly a thousand years. Architecturally, the church blends Romanesque foundations with later Gothic and Baroque additions. Its most striking feature is the Romanesque bell tower, built in the 12th century and later completed under Venetian influence. The tower’s elegant proportions and carved details make it one of the finest medieval structures in Zadar. Inside, visitors can admire the Baroque main altar, richly decorated with marble and gilded ornamentation. The church also houses valuable liturgical objects linked to the Benedictine community, including finely embroidered vestments and silver reliquaries. A highlight is the Cosmati-style stone floor, a geometric mosaic typical of medieval Italy, reflecting Zadar’s strong Adriatic connections.