The Church of St. Mary is a Benedictine monastery located in Zadar, Croatia. It was founded in 1066 on the east side of the ancient Roman forum. History The Benedictine monastery was founded in 1066 next to the existing church by the Zadar noblewoman Chika. The monastery subsequently received royal protection and grants from King Petar Kreshimir IV.C After becoming a nun later in life, Chika endowed the monastery with two hymns and a prayer book, along with other valuable items. Both hymns were lost, but the prayer book survived and is currently kept in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Uncle Vekenega's daughter entered the convent as a nun around 1072, after the tragic death of her husband Dobroslav. Vekenega was the first heir of Chika to ask for financial help from the new Hungarian king Koloman to complete the monastery and raise new monastery objects. The monumental tower bears Coloman's name and the year 1105. There is an inscription on the tower in memory of the king's entrance to Zadar in 1102. In the chapel of the tower there are also the remains of frescoes from the 12th century. The church bears her tomb which is decorated with Latin verses. In 1507, the builder and stonemason Nikola Shpanich, born in Korčula, added a new Renaissance portal and a southern facade. The interior is decorated with rich Baroque motifs from 1744. During World War II, when the city was part of Italy, the church and surroundings were destroyed by Allied bombing. The church was rebuilt after the war.

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№33 of 54 places in Zadar
№1749 of 2178 places in Croatia
№11 of 13 Churches and cathedrals in Zadar
№200 of 290 Churches and cathedrals in Croatia