It’s often the simplest compositions that stick with me the most when photographing historic cities like Zadar. I remember looking up and catching this view of the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Anastasia — the sky was spotless, and the light was just right to bring out every carved detail on the tower’s facade.
The bell tower itself is one of Zadar’s most recognizable landmarks. It belongs to the Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Sv. Stošija), a Romanesque-style church with deep historical roots. The tower was built in stages, with the lower part completed in the 15th century and the upper part finished later in the 19th century, which gives it a unique layered look. At the top, you can spot a weather vane shaped like the Archangel Michael — a small detail that’s easy to miss from afar.
What I love about moments like this is how architecture, light, and time of day all work together to create something visually striking, even without much in the frame. That strong contrast between stone and sky turned a quick look upwards into a photo worth keeping.
If you want to see more photos like this, head over to the Explore page. I’ve documented dozens of scenes from Zadar and across Croatia. And for regular photo stories and travel finds, you can also follow along on Instagram at @croatia_captured.