Information
Landmark: Five Wells SquareCity: Zadar
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Five Wells Square, Zadar, Croatia, Europe
Overview
Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara) sits in the heart of Zadar, Croatia, where five stone wells stand in a neat row, echoing centuries of history.With its striking row of five linked wells, it stands as a beloved Zadar landmark, echoing the city’s rich history and the clever craftsmanship that shaped it.Today, the square buzzes with life, where street musicians play under old stone arches and history meets the energy of the present.Back in the 16th century, when Zadar was under Venetian rule, workers built the five wells-stone rings set into the ground that still echo faintly when you call into them.As part of a Venetian effort to keep the city supplied during Ottoman sieges, the wells stood above a vast stone cistern, drawing cool water for its residents.Set beside the medieval city walls and the Captain’s Tower, the site held a prime position that underscored its importance.As the city grew and modern water systems took over, the old wells lost their purpose, yet they were kept as a piece of history.The square takes its name from five stone wellheads, each finely carved and lined up neatly, like sentinels in a row.Five Wells Square blends history and everyday life: each well is adorned with intricate stone carvings, the ground is paved with smooth slabs that warm under the sun, and the space is framed by the 13th‑century Captain’s Tower and remnants of the old city walls, with a stone stairway leading up to the leafy Queen Jelena Madije Park; today, locals and visitors gather here for concerts, exhibitions, and quiet moments, climb the tower for sweeping Adriatic views, or linger at sunset when the square glows, all within sight of cafes, shops, and Zadar’s other historic treasures-a living reminder of the city’s Venetian heritage.With its graceful architecture, prime spot in the heart of the city, and rich history, it’s a place you can’t skip-stand under its arch and you’ll feel the past all around you.You might pause to admire the stonework, wander through the shaded park, or just breathe in the warm, sea-salted air-here, the square lets you step into Zadar’s past while staying very much alive in its present.
