Perivoj kraljice Jelene Madijevke

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park (Perivoj kraljice Jelene Madijevke) is the oldest public park in Zadar and in the whole of Dalmatia, sitting right on top of the city's old Venetian fortifications.

What is this place?

The park was established in 1829 on the initiative of Baron Franz Ludwig von Welden, the Bavarian military governor of Zadar and a keen botanist. Von Welden turned part of the Grimani bastion — the largest fortress structure in the city's defensive walls — into a green public space open to everyone, not just soldiers or nobility. At a time when Zadar was a walled fortress town with restricted movement after dark, the park quickly became the center of social life and earned the nickname "the city's balcony" thanks to its sweeping views over the harbor and the Adriatic. Local tradition also holds that Emperor Franz Joseph enjoyed strolling here during his visits to Zadar.

The walls on which the park sits form part of the Venetian defense system inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, which adds an extra layer of significance to a walk here — you're strolling through a landmark of international importance while enjoying a city garden.

How do you get there?

The entrance lies near the Square of Five Wells (Trg pet bunara); a short flight of steps takes you up onto the top of the bastion. The park sits right next to the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata), one of the most impressive gates of the old town, making it a natural stop on any walk through Zadar's historic center.

What will you see?

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park is essentially a compact botanical garden built into the fortifications. It's currently home to 282 plant species, labeled with 560 plaques in three languages, so a walk through the park doubles as a relaxed introduction to Mediterranean and exotic flora. Paths run along the top of the ramparts, opening up to views of the city harbor, the rooftops of the old town, and the sea beyond — one of the best vantage points in Zadar to see the city from above without climbing a tower or bell tower.

The park is quiet and intimate, offering a welcome break from the crowds in the old town, especially during hot summer afternoons when the tree cover provides shade and relief from the heat.

When should you visit?

Entry is free and the park is open daily. The most pleasant times to visit are spring and early summer, when the vegetation is in bloom, and around sunset, when the light beautifully catches the old stone walls and the harbor panorama. Given its modest size, the park can be explored in 20–30 minutes, making it a perfect add-on to a longer walk through the old town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry is completely free and open to all visitors.

Who founded the park? Baron Franz Ludwig von Welden, the Bavarian military governor of Zadar, founded it in 1829.

Why was the park called "the city's balcony"? Because of its position on top of the defensive walls and its views over the harbor and sea, which drew residents for evening walks.

How long does a visit take? Given its small size, 20–30 minutes is usually enough, though plant enthusiasts may want more time to read the species labels throughout the park.