Maraschino - a taste of Zadar!

Croatia and Zadar are famous from several drinks which you just should try. In this post and in the following one I will list you the most popular and tasty alcohol drink in Croatia. Please have a look on this list and for sure you will find something  for you. To be honest not each of them may firstly seem to you tasty, because Croatian love the alcohol drinks made from herbs. However, I highly recommend to try each of them so as to feel the real taste of Croatia.

To start with, in Zadar is located Maraska, from many people consider as the sign of Croatia. They produce two product categories that stand out among the rich and diverse range of Maraska´s products. The first category consists out of the products based on autochthon cherry marasca like fruit syrups Amarena Premium and Amarena and nectar Amarena. The second category consists out of the strong alcoholic drinks assortment, such as are liqueurs Maraschino, Cherry Brandy, Cherrica, Orahovac, the so-called Maraska specialties.

The most popular among them is Maraschino liqueur originated in the city of Zadar. Quite amazing thing considering to this drink is that it come from  the 16th century. It is made from maraska sour cherries, what makes the drink sweet and fragrant. 

Where to Find Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur can be purchased throughout Croatia. It is usually – but not always – sold in straw-wrapped bottles that give this special drink a distinctive look. This bottles were initially produced in a city of Murano near Venice, and later, after 1869 in the new glass factory in Zadar. The present company, Maraska, uses these historical bottles as a model for the Maraschino bottles we use today in order to maintain its image and its distinctive visual identity.

How to Drink Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino can be served over ice or as a part of mixed drinks. Because of its sweetness, maraschino is excellent served at the end of a meal.

Not only see and sun

I want you to be aware that Zadar is of course not only a touristic place. In October when touristic season is slowly ending an academic year is beginning. In Zada is located third (in terms of size and number of departments) University in Croatia. The university in its current modern form was founded in 2002 but can trace its lineage to 1396, thus making it the oldest tertiary institution in the Former Yugoslavia and one of the oldest in Europe. Consequently Zadar is the first town in Croatia to have the University, established in 1396. Today, the University of Zadar is the largest integrated University in the Republic of Croatia, which includes 25 university departments among which we can find for instance: English Department, Department of Archaeology, Department of Ecology, Department of Economics, Department of Geography, Department of German Studies, Department of Health Studies, Department of History or Department of the History of Art.

It should be mentioned that university cooperates with numerous Croatian and foreign institutions and academic associations, through membership in international organizations and communities, and through cooperative contracts with other universities. Unfortunately for me is too late to study there, but who knows, maybe some of you will decide to study in Zadar. One thing for sure encourage you to undertake studies in Zadar – the location of the university! The main building is located just at the see! What a pleasure – having a lecture and enjoying the see view…

Museums in Zadar

In Zadar apart prom beautiful beaches, Sea Organ and Old Town we can visit museums. Zadar has several museums where everyone will find something special, unique and attracting attention. What is more, this museum’s exhibitions are really impressive. For such a small city Zadar can be boast about this cultural heritage! Here are the list and short descriptions of the museums:

1.      Archaeological museum Zadar  
The Archaeological Museum in Zadar is the second oldest museum in Croatia,founded in 1832. There are more than 100,000 various items displayed in Zadar Archaeological Museum coming from all cultural and historical periods (from Palaeolithic time to the end of the 11th century). In my opinione well worth seeing is a reconstruction showing the Forum area in Roman Times. There are several departments : Pre-historic, Ancient, Medieval and Underwater Archaeology, as well as the joint archaeological collection in Nin, the library technical unit and department of General Affairs.

2.   National museum Zadar
The National Museum Zadar is a general regional museum founded in 1962. However, the beginnings of the museum go back to 1832 when the first regional museum of the general type was established. This museum is divided into three department: Ethnological Department, Natural History Department and Gallery of Fine Arts.

3.  Museum of Ancient Glass Zadar
Museum of Ancient Glass Zadar has the most outstanding exhibits and the greatest collection od ancient glass in this part of Europe. The museum contains one of the premium collections of Roman glassware outside Italy, with a cornucopia of goblets, jars and vials retrieved from archaeological sites across Dalmatia. The extensive collection contains every glass object imaginable, all of which have been retrieved from rich archaeological sites in Croatia (mostly from around Zadar), many of which have still to be fully excavated.

4. Zadar City Museum
Zadar City Museum was founded in 1960 and in 1962 it was integrated into the National Museum Zadar under the name the Cultural-Historical Department. Zadar City Museum collects the cultural assets that have been created from the end of the 13th century to the present day; the material is divided into the cultural-historical collection and the collection of more recent history.