Broad horizons Back to nature

62 Zadar county
Zadar county
63
Nin
Embark on a journey where the two small tourist places of
Nin and Zaton will surely amaze you with their anecdotes
of history, buildings, artefacts and natural surroundings.
Located a mere14 kilometres north of Zadar, these Adriatic
gems have their very own story to tell.
The region of Nin has been inhabited for over a staggering
three thousand years. It was initially founded by the Illyrians
who named the area Aenona. When the Romans gained
control, the town had flourished as it was an important
harbour in the Eastern Adriatic Sea - the growth and
development of import, export and migration attracted
merchants and other settlers to the area.
The beauty of Nin and neighbouring Zaton is twofold.
Visitors are immersed in the historical treasures of
the tourist places whilst also fulfilling the true holiday
experience of picturesque beaches and breathtaking
surroundings.
The historical town of Nin is situated in the middle of a
shallow lagoon, whilst the historical part of the town is
located on a small island that has a 500 metre radius.
Visitors can enter the old town via one of two bridges
which lead to the blissfully preserved historical city gates.
The arched gates are the steppingstone to a sightseeing
tour of the city walls and the many valuable and historical
monuments.
Some of the archeological highlights include two original
and reconstructed old Croatian ships ‘Condura Croatica’,
(11th Century) that were found at the entrance to the
harbour, the ruins to the biggest Roman Temple (from
the 1st century) on this side of the Adriatic, the gothic
chapel of Saint Marcela and the pre-Romanic Church
of the Holy Cross (9th century) which is also known to
be the smallest cathedral in the world. The gold and silver
of the town as well as the historical treasures provide for
a feast of culture.
The other attractions that Nin and Zaton boast are
their long sandy beaches which are perfect for that
summer holiday. The blue sky waters are striking and the
accommodation on offer includes hotels, nicely decorated
apartments, holiday villas and small idyllic camps.
A hidden advantage that entices many to this region is
the ‘Nin Curing Mud Peloid’ which has been used for
medical purposes since the Roman times. Supervised
medical personnel assist visitors and patients with
therapy. The curing mud effect can be seen through its
medical, mechanical and chemical effect. The therapy is
performed in a cosy natural environment and it includes
bathing and swimming in warm sea water.
As you wander through Nin or Zaton, you’ll find that nothing
much has changed over the years; ancient buildings built
from Dalmatian Stone still stand in their purest form. What
visitors cherish the most are these magnificent historical
structures entwined with the natural ambience of mothernature
that provides the perfect getaway.
We recommend that you visit:
Park Solana Nin Ilirska cesta 4, tel. (+385-23) 26
47 64. Open 07:00 - 15:00. July, August open 10:00
- 18:00. Admission 10kn.
Dar Mar Donkey Farm Poljica, tel. (+385-23) 39
01 23, 098 180 51 71. Admission 10kn.
Nin Tourist Board tel. (+385-23) 26 52 47/(+385-
23) 26 42 80, tzg-nina@zd.t-com.hr, www.nin.hr.
Biograd
The small but lively town of Biograd was once an important
political centre of the Croatian state and the seat of kings.
Croatia’s crowned heads of the Middle Ages were peripatetic
- travelling throughout their territories between their power
bases - often smaller towns, since larger cities such as Zadar
functioned almost as individual states. Biograd was one of
these royal towns, as was Nin. One of the most important
moments in Biograd’s history was the coronation of Koloman
as Croat-Hungarian king in 1102 - the first time that the
states of Croatia and Hungary were joined under a single
crowned head - this time, by treaty.
You can still see evidence of this proud yesteryear in
Biograd’s pleasant old centre: an obelisk bearing the date
925, the date of the coronation of Tomislav, the first true
Croatian king and a figure with almost mythical status. It was
he who united Pannonia and Dalmatia into a single Croatian
state and built the country into a military power rivalling
Venice. The 11th century Basilica of St John was one of the
few buildings which escaped after the Venetians attacked
Biograd in 1125. There is an early Romanesque Church of
St Anthony (13th century), the Church of St Rocco (16th
century), and the imposing Church of St Anastasia (Sveta
Stošija) built in 1761, with a fine clock tower, a decorative
well in front and baroque altars inside.
of the centre is a large pine forest, within which you can find
the tennis centre. The pebbly Blue Flag Dražica beach is just
a ten minute walk from the old town. Voted one of Croatia’s
best beaches, it’s isolated from traffic but has a car park.
You can take part in watersports, and there’s an aquagun
and a host of other amenities.
The pinewoods extend further, providing a healthy and
scented environment with a number of campsites, hotels and
apartment complexes. A coast path through them leads you
past more beaches. Some, such as Soline, are shallow and
partly sandy, so particularly suitable for children. Be aware
that some of the more secluded beaches along the coastline
here are “clothing optional”, while at Crvena Luka you’ll find
a proper FKK naturist beach. Crvena Luka is a deep bay with
a holiday village behind.
Fans of history should visit the Homeland Museum, which
has archaeological, ethnographic and art collections, and
presents a fascinating picture of the town’s colourful and
turbulent past. It’s at Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV
22, tel. (+385-23) 38 37 21. Open 09:00-12:00, 20:00-
22:00. Closed Sun.
Biograd is, however, far more than a destination for history
nuts. The old centre is picturesquely laid out on a peninsula
with a view over Pašman Island, which you can reach by the
ferry which leaves from the town quay. Pleasant seaside
promenades are lined with cafes and palms, and are
attractively planted with lawns and flowerbeds. To the east
www.inyourpocket.com
Zadar In Your Pocket
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Summer 2011