The Greeting to the Sun Zadar

At the tip of Zadar's peninsula, where the Sea Organs play their endless melody, another masterpiece by architect Nikola Bašić illuminates the waterfront. The Greeting to the Sun transforms Istarska obala into a spectacular light show as day turns to night.

This remarkable installation features a 22-meter diameter circle composed of three hundred multi-layered glass plates, seamlessly integrated into the waterfront's stone pavement. Beneath these plates lie photo-voltage solar modules that create a unique dialogue with nature through light, complementing the Sea Organs' acoustic connection with the waves.

As Zadar's famous sunset paints the sky, the installation awakens. Countless lights embedded within the circle create a mesmerizing display, dancing in harmony with the waves and the Sea Organs' ethereal sounds.

Sustainable Beauty

More than just an artistic installation, the Greeting to the Sun serves as an innovative power plant, generating approximately 46,500 kWh annually. This renewable energy not only powers the installation but also illuminates the entire waterfront, offering a sustainable solution that's three times more efficient than conventional power sources.

A Testament to Heritage

Encircling this modern marvel, a ring bears the names of saints historically venerated in Zadar's churches: Sanctae Anastasiae, Sancti Donati, Simeonis Ivsti, and others. Each inscription includes the saint's feast day alongside precise astronomical data—the sun's declination, altitude, and daylight duration at that specific location.

This design pays homage to the St. Grisogonus Calendar, a remarkable 13th-century document discovered in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Dating from 1292 or 1293, this calendar stands among the world's oldest astronomical records and may be the first to employ Arabic numerals for astronomical calculations.

The installation's cosmic connection extends further as it represents our solar system, creating a perfect harmony with the adjacent Sea Organs. Through modern technology, it can adapt its illuminated display for special occasions, ensuring each visit offers a unique experience.

Like its musical companion, the Greeting to the Sun has become an iconic symbol of Zadar's blend of historical reverence and modern innovation, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness this stunning marriage of sustainability, art, and astronomical heritage.

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