Pag tells its story not only through individual buildings. Its historic centre dates back to the 15th century and has a regular street grid planned by Juraj Dalmatinac. You can get to know the city through both its architecture and its layout: the plan itself is one of the centre’s distinctive features passed down through history.
Urban planning, salt warehouses and defensive history
Opposite the historic city centre are the Magazini soli, protected salt warehouses. Their construction spans several periods: three of the buildings were erected in the 17th century, and the remaining six during the second Austrian administration. Their different dates of construction give the complex its own historical dimension.
Other monuments in the centre include Knežev Dvor, a restored 15th-century cultural monument. Kula Skrivanat draws attention to Pag’s defensive history: the tower was built in 1468 as part of the city’s defence system and is the only one of the original nine towers still standing. Zborna crkva is another striking architectural landmark. The three-aisled basilica has three apses, a Renaissance rose window and a Gothic portal. Together, these places reveal different aspects of the city’s history—from its planned street layout and salt warehouses to its defensive and religious architecture.
Paška lace: craftsmanship and cultural heritage
There is documented evidence that Paška lace has been made in the city of Pag since the mid-15th century. In 2009, lace-making was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the Paška Lace Gallery, visitors can see how the lace is made and view lacework from different periods. You can experience both the craft itself and preserved pieces from different eras. If you would like to explore this aspect of the city’s history, include the gallery in your plans and check its seasonal opening arrangements before your visit, as they may change.
Nature and activities in Zadar County
Beyond Pag’s historical attractions, Zadar County offers a range of nature and outdoor activities. Paklenica National Park covers 95 square kilometres on the slopes of the southern Velebit. Its climbing area has around 600 equipped routes of varying difficulty and length. These route characteristics are useful points of reference when choosing a climb. Manita peć is the only cave in the national park that is equipped and open to visitors. Check the current access conditions before travelling.
More than 260 different bird species have been recorded at Lake Vrana. A basic ticket for Vransko jezero Nature Park gives visitors access to three information centres and six educational trails; ticket conditions may change. So check the ticket terms before your visit. The Crkvine Information Centre is located at the entrance to the 600-metre-long wooden „Ptice Vranskog jezera“ educational trail. For a different way to explore, consider the Ptice grabljivice educational trail route: it forms part of an 18-kilometre panoramic cycling route and is particularly well suited to exploring by bike. The distances and different ways of getting around provide useful reference points when choosing nature experiences to suit your interests.
Karst and caves
At the Cerovačke špilje Visitor Centre, visitors can make use of a modern reception centre and marked footpaths leading to the caves and through the cave areas already open for tourist visits. The interpretive and educational exhibits explore the caves, karst, and the natural and cultural heritage of Velebit Nature Park. Both Donja and Gornja Cerovačka špilja are open to tourists along a length of around 700 metres each. The visitor centre has a car park. This destination brings together geological features and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage.
Discover more destinations: Pag Municipality, Novalja Municipality, Povljana Municipality, Zadar County, Vir, Sisak-Moslavina County, Međimurje County, Molat.
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