Every year since 2017, I make my way to Zadar to participate in the Wings for Life World Run. In 2024, I planned things differently — I stayed an extra day in Zadar and then headed south for five more days in Šibenik to continue exploring Dalmatia with my camera. It turned out to be a good decision.
This photo captures the impressive detail of the Cathedral of St. Anastasia’s facade in Zadar. The late afternoon light brought out the textures of the stone and the deep blue sky with scattered clouds made a perfect backdrop. I focused on the rose windows and the simple but powerful symmetry of the building. This kind of shot is all about timing — the light, the angle, and the sky all worked together for just a short window.
Even though I was technically on a quick stop between events, I made sure to slow down and photograph at my own pace. It’s easy to rush through a place when you’ve visited multiple times, but every year Zadar still shows me something new, depending on the light, weather, or just my own perspective.
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is the largest church in Dalmatia. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it reflects a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and it holds an important place in the city’s religious and architectural history. It’s one of those structures where you notice more the longer you stand and look at it — from the small stone carvings to the intricate rose windows.
Find more photos and stories from my travels around Croatia on croatiacaptured.com.
