Asseria

Asseria is an ancient settlement located near modern-day Benkovac, approximately 30 kilometres east of Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. The archaeological site occupies a ridge rising 234 metres above sea level, overlooking the fertile plains of Ravni kotari.

Who founded the settlement and when?

The site was established by the Liburnians, an Illyrian tribe that inhabited the Adriatic coast since the Late Bronze Age. Asseria served as a significant centre of southern Liburnia, functioning as the heartland of the Asseriates tribe long before Roman arrival. Its strategic hilltop position provided control over surrounding territory and trade routes leading into the interior of Dalmatia.

What role did it play during Roman times?

In the 1st century AD, the Romans converted Asseria into a military outpost and subsequently developed it as a market centre. The town lay along a major Roman road connecting the colony of Iader (present-day Zadar) with the provincial capital Salona, passing through settlements such as Burnum, Nedinum and Varvaria. It likely received municipium status under Emperor Claudius and was enrolled in the tribus Claudia, one of the Roman voting tribes. The city reached its peak prosperity in the 2nd century AD, as evidenced by a triumphal arch erected in 113 AD during Trajan's reign.

What remains visible at the site today?

The most impressive surviving feature is the defensive wall system, with sections stretching 2.5 kilometres in length and reaching over 7 metres in height. Some megalithic stone blocks used in wall construction weigh up to 5 tonnes. Excavations have uncovered a 1st-century AD forum and a structure interpreted as a basilica. The Trajanic triumphal arch represents one of the few such monuments preserved in Croatia.

How do you get to Asseria?

The site sits by the village of Podgrađe, in the Benkovac municipality, roughly 30 kilometres east of Zadar. Driving from Zadar takes under half an hour, heading inland toward Benkovac and then on to Podgrađe. A car is by far the easiest option, since the surrounding area is rural and local public transport runs infrequently. Pairing the visit with a longer day trip around the Zadar hinterland, including a stop in Benkovac itself, is a good way to make the most of the drive.

When is the best time to visit?

The ruins lie on an exposed hilltop ridge with little natural shade, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when Dalmatian temperatures are milder than at the height of summer. In summer, an early morning visit is advisable, along with water, a hat and sunscreen, since the midday sun here can be intense. The ground is uneven and stony, so sturdy shoes with good grip are worth packing, and Zadar, roughly half an hour away, remains the nearest city with full visitor infrastructure.

Common questions

When did archaeological research begin? Systematic excavations started in 1998 and are conducted by the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar together with partner institutions. This work has yielded numerous discoveries regarding daily life in the ancient city.

Can visitors explore the ruins? Yes, the site at Podgrađe near Benkovac is accessible to visitors. The best-preserved sections of the defensive walls and remains of the Roman forum constitute the main attractions.

Why was the city abandoned? Like other Dalmatian centres, Asseria began declining during Late Antiquity. Shifting trade routes, political instability and barbarian invasions led to gradual depopulation of the settlement.