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A
continuity of life on the area of Nin appears 10000 years ago, according to the
historians. The present-day town on the islet developed 3000 years ago and
belongs to the older towns on the eastern part of Adriatic sea. The area of Nin
was colonized by immemorial people of Mediterranean. Since 9th century
B.C. in Nin was the civilization of Illyrian tribe of Liburnians before the
Romans came, who had a strong sea and trade center called Aenona. The rich
archeological finds prove of strong sea links with Greece and Hellenistic world:
aqueduct, and the newest explorations found the world rarity, a very well
preserved Byzantine mosaic on the floor of the Roman villa. The early Christian
period developed in Enona from the 4th till the early 7th
century. The rests of church furniture from the 6th
century were found.
The
era of great migration of the people brought big changing in the history of
Enona, when the town was destroyed.
The
Croats colonized Nin at the beginning of the 7th century and formed
there their first residence, the cultural and religious center of the new state.
There was formed the first Croatian state community at the end of the 8th
and at the beginning of the 9th century. Nin is the oldest Croatian
royal town, and the glorious period was between 7th till 13th century.
Since the half of 9th century
Nin is the seat of the first Croatian bishop. The bishops from Nin played a
great role in a religious, a cultural and a political sense. Their struggle for
national language (Glagolitsa) was of religious, cultural and political
character because it was the struggle for Croatian independency. The significant
rulers connected with the history of Nin are: prince Viseslav, prince Branimir,
king Tomislav, king Petar Kresimir IV., king Zvonimir… Although Nin was enough
archaeologically explored and although it belongs to the richest archeological
finding places in Croatia its past is not known enough. The period of prehistory
is explored the best and the Roman period, early Christian period and Middle
Ages in Nin history need to be explored better in the future.
 At
the time of Turkish war Nin was on the battle-field. After the selling of
Dalmatia to Venice (1409.) Nin came under the control of Venice. Since then
began its destruction, it was economically exploited but military not
protected. The town was destroyed twice. The first destruction was 1571. and 28th
April 1646. was the day of death of the glorious town. The Venice government
gave an order to burn the town and destroy it systematically. According to the
historians the Venice government sacrifices Nin and left the burnt town over to
the Turks to save the town of Zadar and defend it from the same conqueror. The
monument, many churches, king's palace and bishop's palace in Nin were destroyed
and have never been renewed.
If you
wish to know more about the Tamburizza Band "Branimir"
Nin follow
this link www.nin.branimir.hr
Since then until today the
revival of the town was very hard. The interest for culture and history was
weaker and got lost at the beginning of the 19th century under the
new alien. The economic development of Nin began after the II world war with
opening the salt works and brick works. Since 1969. Nin has been developing as a
tourist destination. The significant year for tourism was 1983. when in vicinity
from the old town a modern tourist settlements was built. In ex-Yugoslavia Nin
lost it municipality and it was neglected because of its national
characteristics and symbols. The new era for the town Nin began 1993. when it
got the status of municipality back and 1997. when the Croatian Parliament gave
it the status of town back. According to the census roll 2001. the town Nin has
1500 inhabitants and 200 inhabitants live on the islet. Riviera Nin is
destination of many tourists because of the natural beauties and beautiful
natural sandy beaches but also because of the cultural heritage. In the vicinity
of the old town there are large findings of medical mud (peloid) which has been
used for healing purposes for more than 30 years. Nin is developing the tourisms
on that basis and will soon begin with building of the medical-tourist center.
Nin is today historical and tourist town which looks for his developing in
valorization of historical heritage. During the last years many monuments were
restored and because of the great role of Nin in the Croatian history many
groups of tourists from Croatia and Europe visit it every day. They come
especially to visit two symbols of the old town: the church of Holy Cross from
the 9th century called “the smallest cathedral in the world” and
the coronation church of St. Nicolas from the 12th century which
represents the only preserved example oh early Romanesque architecture of that
type in Dalmatia.
It
is worth mentioning that Nin is a member of WTFC since 1992.
Town
walls
 The
ruins of antique town are only partly explored. The town was surrounded by the
town walls which ruins are under the later medieval and newer fortifications.
During the researches the Liburn, Roman and medieval remains are found and the
present-day remains are from Venice tome in the 18th century. The
fully destruction of the old town in 1646. didn’t leave any traces of the
medieval walls but the walls were connected by 4 towers which foundations could
be seen also today. The walls are being renewing according to the plans thanks
to the help of the state and the remains are being conservating. The present-day
remains of the walls could be seen on the north-east side and are the best
preserved near the Upper gate.
And
finally, we invite you to visit our pages www.nin.hr
and to discover why Nin has been called
“Croatian Bethlehem”!!!
Contact person: Marija
Dejanovic E-mail: demarianin@mailcity.com
For tourist information E-mail: tzg-nina@zd.htnet.hr
Nin Official Tourist Association
Web Site. Do take a look. Zadar
I
Osor I Pag I DubrovnikI
Novigrad - Dalmatia I Novigrad
- Istria
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