St. Mary's Church, Romanesque monastery in Zadar, Croatia.
St. Mary's Church is a Romanesque monastery in Zadar featuring a stone bell tower, rounded arches, and a Renaissance portal built from local limestone. The complex stands near the Roman Forum and continues to serve as an active religious center today.
The monastery was founded in 1066 by a noblewoman and received protection and financial support from rulers of Hungary and Croatia. The large tower structure was built in 1105 and contains inscriptions and frescoes from the 12th century.
The monastery houses a collection of religious manuscripts, including a prayer book that is now kept in an English library.
The building is located near recognizable landmarks and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should check current opening times in advance, as it remains an active religious site.
The tower structure contains an inscription commemorating a medieval king's entry into the city. This carved message is a rare example of stone monuments documenting royal visits.
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