Nin is a small town in Zadar County in central Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located about 15 km northwest of Zadar. The place is an attractive tourist destination with a rich culinary offer and many cultural and historical attractions.
The old historical center is located on an islet with a diameter of about five hundred meters. It is connected to the mainland by two stone bridges that were built in the 16th century. The wider part of the city stands in the lagoon and is surrounded by natural sandy beaches. Despite its small size, Nin has a very varied and rich history. From the 9th century BC until the arrival of the Romans, the Illyrian Liburnians lived in the wider area of the city, and they had a strong land and sea trade center in the place. About three hundred meters to the south, in the area of today's salt flats, there was an even older settlement from the Stone Age. At the beginning of the 7th century, Dalmatia was colonized by the Slavs, and at the end of the 8th century and the beginning of the 9th century, the Croatian state community was established.
Nin became the first Croatian royal city, enjoying its glory from the 7th to the 13th century. In the 9th century, it also became the seat of the first Croatian bishop. The bishops of Nin played an important role in cultural, religious and political life. In the 15th century, Nin came under Venetian rule. The city experienced major destruction in 1571 and in 1646. The destroyed bishop's and royal palaces and churches were never rebuilt. Nin began to develop again after the end of Second World War. After 1969, it became a popular tourist center, which also includes a rich historical heritage in its offer. Among the sights, the church of the Holy Cross from the 9th century, which is known as the smallest cathedral in the world, and the church of St. Nicholas in Prahulje, where Croatian kings were crowned, stand out.
The city is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches, healing mud, and a rich gastronomic and accommodation offer. In 2016, Nin was awarded as Europe's best romantic destination. The place attracts many domestic and foreign visitors throughout the year.