Zadar is a charming old town, set apart from the modern office buildings on the city outskirts by the sea. The old town, with its finger-shaped peninsula, seems to turn away from the less appealing architecture that came before its Renaissance heyday. There are plenty of reasons to visit Zadar, one of which is to enjoy the artistic installations by architect Nikola Bašić and hear the sounds of the sea.
Audible Art
Not everything in the old town is ancient. In 2005, architect Nikola Bašić created the Sea Organ, an audible masterpiece made of pipes that produce sounds when waves hit the marina. This produces a unique sound, often described as the sea burping.
However, this “burping” is actually a beautiful melody, similar to the gurgling sounds you hear at the shore when water gently interacts with stones. It could even be compared to the sea expressing its feelings to the earth—sometimes gentle, sometimes intense, with sounds that are not burps but perhaps sighs of contentment. Don’t just take my word for it, come and experience it yourself!
Solar Masterpiece
While you’re enjoying the Sea Organ, be sure to check out Nikola’s visual masterpiece right next to it: the Monument to the Sun. This installation features solar panels embedded in the marina pavement. During the day, the panels soak up solar energy, and at night, they put on a mesmerizing light show, combining elements of art and disco, giving back to the starry sky.
The Monument to the Sun is a major tourist attraction, drawing crowds each evening after they finish their meals at the nearby plaza. Despite the crowds, the experience is well worth it!
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