Zadar, Croatia, is a city with a rich and fascinating history that spans over three thousand years, but we don’t have three thousand years to write so we’ll give you the basic story.

Throughout its long history, Zadar, Croatia, has been the site of numerous conflicts and wars, so if you’re into major historical conflict you’ll find yourself feeling at home in Zadar. During the Roman period, the city was a strategically important hub of the Illyrian provinces and was frequently attacked by neighboring kingdoms and empires who were basically just jealous of the beautiful Zadar and all it had to offer.

In the Middle Ages, Zadar was ruled by the Venetian Republic and was often the target of raids by pirates – not nearly as fun as Johnny Depp in the pirates of the Caribbean but you can imagine them looking like that for cinematic value. Then later, Zadar lived through oppression from both the Venetian government and Turkish forces. Despite this, the city managed to withstand a Turkish attack in 1571. During this time, Zadar became the most heavily fortified town along the Adriatic coast because who wouldn’t have trust issues and build massive walls all over the place after all these oppressors and attackers?

Things didn’t get any easier. Zadar was under Austrian control, except for a brief period of French rule. After the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920, the town became part of Italy, which resulted in the decline of its status as the main town of Dalmatia compared to Split. During World War II, Allied bombing caused severe damage to 75% of Zadar’s buildings and the port. Talk about having to reinvent yourself! After being liberated in 1944, the town became a part of Yugoslavia. Second Yugoslavia. That also didn’t end well.

Even though when you hear about Zadar’s history it sounds like it went through hell, all that hell resulted in a city with incredible charm. And what a time to be alive – you can enjoy all the beauty of Zadar without being oppressed or robbed by a pirate, all that with Dalmatia Outdoors.