Day 5: Croatia - Zadar and Split

After the stunning waterfalls and exhilarating boardwalks of Plitvice, we arrived in Zadar, where history, ruins, and the mesmerizing Sea Organ take center stage.

The Sea Gate

Grad is city in Croatian and Morske Orgulje means sea organ.

This structure in Zadar is part of the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), an architectural sound installation located on the waterfront. The feature resembling a piano keyboard is actually a set of steps and tubes built into the stonework along the coast. When waves and wind push through these tubes, they create harmonic sounds, similar to an organ. This unique design allows the sea itself to "play" music, with varying tones and melodies depending on the wave intensity and wind. The Sea Organ is a popular attraction for its soothing and natural acoustic ambiance.

                               

Monument to the Sun

Monument to the Sun aka Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu) is a unique solar-powered art installation. Made up of 300 glass panels, it collects solar energy during the day and lights up in vibrant colors at night. Designed by architect Nikola Bašić, it celebrates the sun’s energy and creates a stunning light display.

The famous breakwater and small lighthouse in Zadar

The three angels on the pediment of the Church of Our Lady of Health (Crkva Gospe od Zdravlja)

Clockwise - Church of St. Donatus, Cathedral of St. Anastasia, bell tower of Cathedral of St. Anastasia

The thick stone walls and round design of the Church of St. Donatus create amazing acoustics, making it an ideal setting for concerts. The church is no longer used for regular religious services, so it has become a popular venue for classical music performances, especially during Zadar’s annual International Festival of Medieval Renaissance Music, known as the "Musical Evenings in St. Donatus.

Pillar of Shame

Standing in the Roman Forum, the largest in Croatia, this ancient column dates back to the Roman period. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a public pillory. Offenders were chained to the pillar, publicly humiliated, mocked, and sometimes whipped. The whole city was welcome to watch this public spectacle.

One can almost hear the chants of the crowd, their voices rising in a chorus of judgment. I shudder to imagine the shamed victim standing before the column, the sting of disgrace and humiliation seeping into their very bones.

Remains of the  Roman Forum

The  forum is an extraordinary open-air archaeological site where history feels tangible. Established by Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC, the forum was the heart of ancient Roman life in Zadar, serving as a public gathering place, marketplace, and civic center.

What makes the experience so unique is that visitors can freely wander among the relics and literally reach out and touch these weathered pieces of history. Some even sit on the fragments of columns and pavements that date back millennia! You can almost hear the whispers of ancient voices that once filled these stones.

Exploring the ancient ruins in Zadar was already surreal, but when the bells from the nearby tower chimed, it became truly magical. I just love the sound of church bells; it feels like a gentle call from God, echoing through time and space. In that moment, standing among the ruins, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection to something greater.

Lunch @ Konoba Dalmacija Tavern, Zadar

With a heavy heart, we departed Zadar for Split, carrying with us a deep longing to experience its magic one last time. I couldn’t help wishing we had more time to return to the Sea Organ in the evening, to hear its soothing melody once more against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun. The golden light reflecting on the waves, the gentle sea breeze, and the enchanting music would have been a perfect farewell. Adding to my regret, I missed the chance to witness the Monument to the Sun, its magical lights coming alive under the twilight sky. These moments will forever remain a wistful dream as we journeyed on to Split.

Alas, this is the beauty I missed, the mesmerizing lights of the Monument to the Sun by Youtuber Eric Clark.

                 

SPLIT

Diocletian’s Palace in Split—the real-life set for Game of Thrones.

The Peristyle

The Peristyle is the central courtyard of Diocletian's Palace in Split. It served as a grand ceremonial space where Emperor Diocletian, who styled himself as a living god, would appear before his subjects.

Surrounded by elegant colonnades, the Peristyle is a striking blend of Roman architecture and cultural influence, and it remains a focal point of the palace.

The black granite sphinx was brought from Egypt over 3,500 years ago, crafted during Pharaoh Thutmose III's reign. Emperor Diocletian imported it to adorn his palace, reflecting his fascination with Egyptian culture and art. It now graces the Peristyle, a timeless link between ancient Egypt and Roman history.

Guardian lion at the entrance of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

Basement of Diocletian's Palace

In the "Game of Thrones" series, this area served as the underground chambers of Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons. The vaulted stone ceilings and ancient Roman architecture create a perfect setting for the dragon-keeping scenes.

View looking up through the ancient stone walls of the Vestibule. The Vestibule, a circular room with a domed roof that is now partially open to the sky, was originally an entrance area to Diocletian's private quarters. Through the open roof, you can see the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (also known as the Cathedral of St. Duje), which stands as one of Split’s iconic landmarks.

Bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius

The vestibule is often used for klapa performances, a traditional style of a cappella singing that originates from the Dalmatian region. The reason for this lies in the exceptional acoustics, which allow the voices to resonate and echo, creating a captivating auditory experience. Above, the oculus — Latin for "eye in the sky" — acts as a symbolic path between earth and sky, letting in light and amplifying the natural sound of the singers below. It's a perfect union of architecture and music, where the ancient design enhances the modern performances.

                                   

FUN FACTS

The Difference Between Klapa and A Cappella
While both klapa and a cappella refer to vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment, there are key differences. Klapa is a traditional style of a cappella singing from the Dalmatian region, typically performed by groups of men or women. It is characterized by harmonious, often emotional, vocal arrangements that emphasize the unique cultural sounds of the region. Klapa music is deeply rooted in Croatian folk traditions and often focuses on themes of love, nature, and life along the Dalmatian coast.

A cappella, on the other hand, is a broader term that simply refers to singing without instrumental backing, and it can span various genres from classical to contemporary music. While a cappella groups can perform many different styles of music, klapa specifically refers to the unique, traditional harmonies of the Dalmatian region.

Walking towards our coach back to the hotel, we spotted a bridal photography shoot. 

 It felt like a little treat and the perfect way to wrap up such a lovely day in Split!