The City has launched a public procurement for conservation and restoration works on the remains of the Biba, Iader aqueduct in Ivana Zadranina Street, following archaeological research conducted last autumn.
On August 7, 2026, the City of Zadar initiated a public procurement procedure for the restoration and preservation of the remains of the Roman aqueduct Biba, Iader. The works will be carried out at the site in Ivana Zadranina Street, with an estimated value of €66,000 excluding VAT.
This decision represents a continuation of efforts to care for valuable ancient heritage and follows extensive archaeological research conducted in October 2025. The results of that research served as the basis for developing documentation defining all necessary conservation and restoration interventions.
The selected contractor will have a three-month deadline to complete all planned activities, starting from the day of being introduced to the job. The works will include detailed cleaning and restoration of the preserved aqueduct structure, which involves removing vegetation and inappropriate interventions from earlier periods.
The plan also includes strengthening and stabilizing the masonry mass, as well as local restoration of damaged stone and mortar parts. Special attention will be given to arranging the protective zone around the aqueduct itself, and all interventions will be carried out with maximum preservation of original structures and materials.
Recall that on October 7, 2025, the City of Zadar initiated archaeological research on the preserved part of the Roman aqueduct in Ivana Zadranina Street. This research marked the first time in recent history that the aqueduct structure itself was directly investigated at this site, conducted as a first step towards its protection and future presentation to the public.
In Roman times, the Biba, Iader aqueduct played a crucial role in supplying ancient Zadar with water. It brought water from the Biba spring above Vrana, with a route stretching over 40 kilometers.
