Villa Zadar

Privlaka - cultural heritage

Privlaka was first mentioned in a document dating from April 10, 1296. On that date Ivan, a dweller of Zadar, asked the notary of Zadar, Tarallo Henrika, to compile him a will in which, among other things, stands: Vinea mea de Privlaka – my vineyard in Privlaka. There are also many archaeological findings and remainders of sacral objects that testify to the rich history of Privlaka. These include:
The church of St Barbara (13th century) near the village of Grbi?i on the north side of the road leading form Nin to Privlaka; the ruins of the church
of St Kata (14th century) on a small hill in the middle of a vineyard, approximately 1 km north of St Barbara, was also marked on two maps, a topographical one form 1675 and a Coronelli’s map dating from 1678. The church of St Vid (14th century) is the only older preserved church on the peninsula of Privlaka, and it used to be the parish church of the village of Kupar. St. Vid is a patron saint of pharmacist, brewers, dancers, actors and deaf. It has not been used, and today the Mass is held there only on St Vid’s day, on June 15.
The parish church of St Mary (19th century) is located on what used to be the periphery of the village and for that reason was later on the main road, today an asphalt road, and is in an open, unenclosed area. The main altar includes an interesting altarpiece from a cycle on the life of Mary. Although it does not belong among the best pieces or baroque art, the painting is interesting for its baroque narrativity. The parish church of St Mary is one of the most beautiful examples of original classicist architecture in Dalmacija.

Among other churches in Privlaka, it is important to mention the church of St Peter dating from the 17th century and the church of St Christopher (1398), the traces of which have disappeared. Old churches in Privlaka are an architectural heritage, and although their remainders are scarce, they reflect the culture of Christial centuries and today represent a unique creation, built and upgraded for generations.

North to the church of St Vid, among the fields, is the most famous of the many wells in Privlaka – Sokolar – and there is a legend of unfortunate love connected to it. According to the legend, Sokolar was unhappily in love, and even his mother could not comfort him. He was so sad that he turned into water, and that water still bears the name Sokolar.