St Nicholas Church, Nin, Croatia - SpottingHistory.com

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.

References:

Nin Tourist Board

Religious sites in Croatia

User Reviews

Cristian Vancea (12 months ago)
Amazing old church dedicated to St. Nicolas.

Marko Paska (12 months ago)
Good to see! Small and beautifull Church ?

Marek Dąbrowski (13 months 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 (13 months 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.

Nika Vitković (15 months ago)
Gorgeous place! Would recommend to visit.

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