Hotels near Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is the ancient heart of Zadar, the largest Roman forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic, laid out between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD. Once the political and social centre of the Roman colony of Iader, it now lies open as a public square strewn with ancient stone.

Scattered across the site are column bases, carved fragments, and a tall standing column that in the Middle Ages was used as a pillar of shame for public punishment. The great Church of St Donatus rises directly on the edge of the Forum, built partly from its recycled Roman stone.

Pro Tip: The Forum is an open square and free to explore at any time. Come in the evening when it is floodlit and quieter, with the illuminated St Donatus as a backdrop.