Roman Forum in Zadar

Today Zadar is adorned by truly many buildings from different periods. One interesting one is certainly also the Roman forum, which still stands fairly well preserved today, and which through history was extended with various details from the periods through which the city itself passed. The Roman forum in Zadar is the largest space of its kind on the eastern side of the Adriatic. The founder of the forum was the first Roman emperor, Augustus. This is attested by two inscriptions in stone dating from the 3rd century, when construction of the forum was completed. In terms of area, the forum in Zadar covers 90×45 metres, but it changed over different time periods.

At one time the Roman forum was enclosed within porticoes with galleries on the upper floor. Unfortunately, today only the original pavement and steps have been preserved, along with two decorative monumental columns, one of which stands in its original location. Interestingly, at one period it served as a pillory, as evidenced by chains from that era.

Through historical upheavals, conquests and changes of rule, the forum was extended, demolished and rebuilt. Today the forum is in fact “adorned” with buildings from different periods and reigns, so we can enjoy a truly interesting combination of historical motifs.

The Zadar forum was originally conceived as an architectural complex following the rules of classical urban planning of the Roman imperial period, during the time of the principate. In terms of its dimensions it is one of the largest on the Adriatic, and it was surrounded by porticoes on three sides, while on one side it was open towards the Capitolium. Beneath these porticoes were lined up various shops and craft workshops, the remains of which have been preserved to a certain extent and can still be strolled through today.

Two well-preserved monumental columns remain from the forum (2 columns).