From the Taste of Maraschino to Hyatt Luxury: The Iconic Transformation of Zadar

By andreja
October 2, 2024

Hyatt Maraska Zadar 2022, Photo by Bojan Bogdanić, photo credit by TZ Zadar — Hyatt Zadar 2022, Photo by Bojan Bogdanić, photo credit by TZ Zadar

The History of Liqueurs in Zadar

The Story of Maraschino – an aromatic liqueur made from the native marasca cherry starts with the Drioli family and continues with the Luxardo family and Vlahov. Zadar has been renowned for centuries for its production of liqueurs, particularly maraschino.

This tradition of producing high-quality drinks dates back to the 16th century. However, Zadar’s liqueur industry flourished in the early 19th century when the Italian Luxardo family established their factory in 1821.

The Story of Maraschino by local families Luxardo and Drioli

One of the key moments in Maraschino liqueur’s rich history is the development made by F. Drioli in 1806, when he introduced the technique of hand-woven bottles. This technique not only contributed to the preservation of bottles during transport but also became a recognizable element of the visual identity of this famous Dalmatian liqueur. Its unique flavor, made from marasca cherries, and this special packaging make it a product that stands out on the global market.

It’s fascinating to see how this traditional packaging method has been preserved to this day.

The Drioli and Luxardo family not only perfected the production of maraschino but also created a global brand.

Maraschino quickly gained international fame and found its way onto the tables of the European and world elite. It is known that some of the most famous historical figures, including the legendary lover Casanova, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, writer Honoré de Balzac, Hollywood director Alfred Hitchcock, and Russian Tsar Nikolay I Pavlovich, all enjoyed the taste of this famous liqueur. These renowned names further confirm the global recognition and sophistication of Zadar’s maraschino, a symbol of luxury and prestige.

I prefer Maraschino in cocktails, but the same factory produces other fine alcoholic beverages that remind many of Zadar and embody its spirit. Besides that famous taste, there is also the beautiful factory building named after the famous cherry – MARASKA, which dominates the visual landscape of Zadar.

Hyatt Transforms Zadar’s Maraschino Factory into a Luxury Oasis

In addition to the world-famous Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, Zadar will once again highlight one of the most famous cherries in the world, along with its iconic ‘building’ that dominates the city’s harbor with its appearance and size. This building is undoubtedly a symbol of this Dalmatian city. Zadar is poised to firmly establish itself on the map of luxury Croatian tourism, fully deserving the spotlight after a long wait. It will shine with a new luxury addition that will further strengthen its position on the global tourism map.

Today, the former Maraschino factory, once the historic center of production for one of Croatia’s most famous liqueurs, is undergoing a spectacular transformation. This historical complex, located by the sea, will soon shine with a new glow thanks to the collaboration with the prestigious global hotel brand Hyatt. The renovation project envisions a combination of modern design with the preservation of historical elements, creating a unique blend of tradition and contemporary luxury.

The renovation works are already underway. The new hotel will further position Zadar on the global luxury tourism map, offering visitors premium accommodations with views of the Adriatic Sea and a range of amenities that reflect the city’s rich history.

This transformation revitalizes the former factory space and revives the memory of Zadar’s liqueur tradition, merging past and future in perfect harmony.

Zadar, a city known for its historical treasures and unique flavors, is now on its way to becoming a top luxury destination. And what better way to conclude this story than to reveal that the very liqueurs that have been a vital part of Zadar’s identity for centuries now symbolically connect the past and future through the transformation of the legendary Maraschino factory into the world-renowned Hyatt hotel?