Site of ancient peace treaty in Zadar gets Europe honour 

(Photo credit: Fabio Šimićev/Grad Zadar)

ZAGREB, 26 April (Hina) – The Convent of St. Francis in Zadar, where the famous Treaty of Zadar was signed in 1358, has been awarded the European Heritage Label in Brussels as part of a transnational application of the “Places of Peace” network, alongside seven sites from six EU member states.

According to Croatia’s Ministry of Culture and Media, the selected sites were recognised not only for their historical significance but also for their commitment to education, public engagement and the promotion of European values, particularly among younger generations.

The label is expected to increase the visibility of these sites within national and European cultural heritage, while also boosting cultural tourism with a focus on the culture of peace.

Zadar Mayor Šime Erlić said the 1358 peace agreement signed at the convent marked a turning point that brought economic, cultural and political revival to Dalmatia, paving the way for institutions such as the University of Zadar.

The Treaty of Zadar is a peace treaty between King Louis I of Hungary and Croatia and the Republic of Venice, incorporating Dalmatia into the Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom for the following half-century and ushering in a “golden age” of prosperity for the city.

(Photo credit: Fabio Šimićev/Grad Zadar)

The “Places of Peace” network connects seven sites across six countries linked to historical peace treaties signed between the 13th and 19th centuries, highlighting Europe’s long history of diplomacy and conflict resolution. Besides Zadar, it includes locations in Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Slovakia.

In Croatia, the European Heritage Label is also held by the Krapina Neanderthal Museum with the Hušnjakovo site (since 2016) and the Vučedol Culture Museum (since 2022).