St Nicholas Church

Nin, Croatia

A recognisable symbol of Nin is the Church of St Nicholas, located in the field of Prahulje, it is very important for the rulers of the Croatian dynasty and for the history of Croatia and Nin. According to tradition, seven Kings were crowned in Nin, and every crowned ruler rode on horseback to the Chruch of Saint Nicholas, and it was in fact here that he would be presented to the people by the same symbolic ritual-on that mound he would cut with a sword the four corners of the world.

The small church is built on an earthen mound which rises above the wide field, and it is just here on this place that the visitor can experience an unforgettable sunset. In the mound can be found, as yet, unexcavated prehistoric graves. Due to the danger from the Turks as an addition to the church, a defence crown with 8 battlements was built in the 16-17th century, which served as a watch tower. The Church of Saint Nicholas is the only preserved example of the early-Romanesque architecture of such form in Dalmatia, which dates from the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century.

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Address

D306, Nin, Croatia
See all sites in Nin

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in Croatia

More Information

www.nin.hr

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ivan Uzarevic (2 years ago)
Beautiful little church around 900 years old. It is located near the main road from Vir to Nin. By the road and near the church there is big parking lot, so parking is not the problem. Near the parking lot there is tablet with some information about the church. By the tablet there is path few hundred metres long that leads to the church. The church is located on the hill that seems to be ancient burial ground. The walls of the church are made of stone blocks and are pretty high. On top of the church there is turret that was built additionally in 16th century to fortify the church. This church is important part of Croatian history because first Croatian kings were crowned in it. Unfortunately in time of my visit the doors were locked so there was no opportunity to visit church from the inside.
Cristian Vancea (3 years ago)
Amazing old church dedicated to St. Nicolas.
Marko Paska (3 years ago)
Good to see! Small and beautifull Church ?
Marek Dąbrowski (3 years ago)
The church is built on a small mound of land, supposedly in which, there are prehistoric tombs. The church is only 6 meters high and 5.70 meters wide. The walls of the church are thick, they are about 50 centimeters, so that they can protect against fire from the Turks. According to legend, freshly crowned kings from Ninu came to St. Nicholas' Church to show off their subjects and raise a royal sword towards the four sides of the world.
Željko Komarić (3 years ago)
Others are praising, so I'll give some informations. Car & bus parking free, nearby. Persons in wheelchair can't climb, only small ride to the foot of the small hill. Also, the door is locked, no entry. But, if you want to see the inside, go to the nearby town of Nin, and look first for the convinient parking near or inside the old city, than find the "world's smallest cathedrall" aka Church of the Holy Cross which is open. Both are quite similar and so small inside.. Sadly, this one is also unavailable for the persons in wheelchairs.
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