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The Sea Organ, and the somewhat newer urban installation Greeting to the Sun by architect Nikola Baši?, are two landmarks of the city of Zadar attracting public attention and representing a contemporary addition to the cultural/historical and ambience-related values of this city. Next to the famous Sea Organ on Zadar quay and near the cruiser pier, the Greeting to the Sun by the same architect now shines as well. The Greeting to the Sun consists of three hundred multi-layer glass panels set on the same level as the quay paving, in the form of a circle having a diameter of 22 meters. Beneath the conducting glass panels are photovoltaic solar modules providing symbolic communication with nature for the purpose of communicating – by sound in case of the Sea Organ, and by light in this case. Concurrently with the “most beautiful sunset in the world”, the lighting fixtures built into the circle are activated, producing an exceptionally impressive game of light to the rhythm of the waves and the sound of the Sea Organ according to a preprogrammed scenario.

In daytime, the photovoltaic solar modules absorb solar energy, transform it into electricity and deliver into the voltaic distribution network. The info display reads the current electricity consumption, and the entire system is expected to produce around 46,500 kWh a year. This is actually a small power that will be used both for the Greeting to the Sun installation and the lighting of the entire quay. The energy will be up to three times cheaper that the existing energy, while the project itself is a unique example of combining renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and urban space development. In cooperation with Prof. Maksim Klarin of the Zadar Maritime School, the names of Zadar saints, after which the present and former churches on the Peninsula were named, have been entered into the ring surrounding the
Greeting to the Sun. Each name is accompanied with the declination and height of the Sun and duration of sunlight on the relevant holiday and in that place on the quay. This highlights the connection between Zadar and the Calendar of St. Krševan who made a great contribution to indication of time and astronomic navigation in its very beginnings. As a solar system model with the accompanying planets, the Greeting to the Sun installation is connected with the Sea Organ. This is actually a piece of specifically formed coast in several rows of stairs descending to the sea for around 70 meters in length. Beneath them 35 pipes of different lengths, diameters and inclinations are built into the coast. The pipes contain whistles playing seven accords and five tunes, providing for the music of sea-driven air. Both installations situated on the Zadar quay attract great attention of both the visitors and the professional audience, representing an additional motive to come to Zadar, a city of rich monumental heritage, including among others the Church of St. Donat from the 9thcentury, the most famous medieval basilica and a city trademark.

Source: press.croatia.hr

Here are some useful links for you:

• Zadar24.com
• travel guide for Zadar
• all about Zadar
• Videos from Zadar

On a large plateau in the craggy Obrovac region a real small Indian village recently appeared, and not just any village…

42 years ago, namely, a film was shot here about one the best known of the Indian chieftains - Winnetou. That was the motivation to set up this, the latest tourist attraction here, given that for years now fans of Winnetou have come to Obrovac and the nearby sites where the movie was shot. They initiated the development of this Indian village that consists of typical Indian tepees and other elements such as totem poles, campfires and even horses that have been brought to the village for the occasion.

For next year there are plans to widen the village whose offer will certainly be enriched by an indigenous culinary offer and programs for organised tourist visits. With the new Indian village near Obrovac, Zadar County has gotten yet another appealing tourist attraction.

Source: ?Croatia Tourist Board?

Britain‘s Guardian recently proclaimed Zadar the world cool destination.

In the report the Guardian ran on its pages says that Zadar is a favoured tourist destination with a rich history, easily reached by land, air or sea. They made special mention of the Ryanair flights out of London as a way to get to Zadar. On the tourist rout of the town they point out the church of St. Donat as a not-to-be-missed spot, where the Zadar Evenings of Music are staged, the Sea Organ, the only one of their kind in the world and a stroll and coffee on the Kalelargo. The report also says that Zadar has of recently been promoted as the gateway to four national parks – Kornati, Paklenica, Krka and the Plitvice Lakes. Besides numerous cultural events and top-notch accommodation in hotels and other tourism facilities and a thriving nightlife, the Guardian makes special mention of the natural beauty of the Zadar archipelago. They are the reason the magazine highly recommends a visit to the Kornati islands; while for history buffs it recommends a tour of nearby Nin and a visit to the smallest cathedral in the world. And everyone will have their share of good fortune if they just touch the big toe of the bronze statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin).

Source: ?Croatia Tourist Board?