From Zadar: Nin and royal vineyards excursion
In the morning, you’ll visit the ancient royal Croatian city of Nin, a European Destination of Excellence. Surrounded by beautiful lagoons and beaches on the eastern side of salt fields, Nin is a treat for the eyes and the soul. Founded by Liburns, Nin had been a center of Croatian kings and bishops.
Rich in cultural heritage on every corner, Nin is home to one of the world’s smallest cathedrals, Museum of Salt, and a city museum containing the remains of ancient Liburnian and Roman ships. Nin has had an exciting past and is experiencing a lovely present. All its stories, beauty and natural wealth are here for your enjoyment, health and spiritual satisfaction.
You will meet your local guide in front of the Church of St Nicholas located in the field of Prahulje, a historical locale of importance to the Croatian dynasty. After visiting this charming small church, you will enter the city to begin your tour.
See the parish Church of St Anselm located in the centre of Nin, which was the city's cathedral during the rule of Croatian Kings. The 6th-century strructure was restored during the reign of King Zvonimir in 1070 and underwent several damaging incidents before taking on its current appearance in the 18th century.
Next, you will see the Church of the Holy Cross, the world's smallest cathedral and the most valuably preserved monument of early Croatian religious architecture, a true symbol of Nin. The positioning of its windows coupled with how the light hits serves as a calendar. The sun's rays determine the exact date of the equinox and solstice, marked by "The Festival of Sun and Light“.
Croatia's many rulers have left their mark on the city and among the many monuments, you will see one of the most important dedicated to church furnishing: the Baptismal Font of Duke Višeslav, the first Croatian Duke who ruled in the ninth century. This hexagonal stone vessel was used for baptizing the faithful and a replica can viewed at the Museum of Nin Antiquities; the original is kept at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split.
In the very centre of Nin, where the Roman Fourm once stood, the remains of a monumental Roman Temple can be found, the biggest eastern Adriatic coast. Walk through ancient Roman ruins and go back in time for several thousand years.
Besides the remains of the Roman Forum and old Nin churches, there are other atractions worth seeing. Nin's history includes prosperity based on salt as well as its long maritime tradition, evidenced in the Condura Croatica boats. However, museums are not necessary to visualize the appearance of these historical boats, just take a look at the shallow Nin Sea to view 100 of these wooden boats, which are considered masterpieces. To see these kai?, plazulja or batela and sail in them is both a tradition and a pleasure.
After walking and sightseeing in old Nin, your tour continues with a visit to a new attraction: the Musem of Salt, where you will see traditional salt production. It is also possible to buy original Croatian salt and taste the famous “salt flower“-French Fleur de Sel, a perfect addition to every meal that involves ecological and traditional production.
You'll also visit to the Museum of Nin Antiquities, which displays exhibits among seven separate rooms showcasing the most important historical periods in Nin's development. Each is divided into several themes accompanied by rich archaeological guides, reconstructions, models, photographs and ground plans.
Walking through this small city in a short period of time, you will get to know its museums, churches, ruins and legends. You will see the monument of Grgur Ninski, which according to legend, brings good luck to anyone who touches bronze statue's big toe.
You will also see the Royal Vineyards, which are planted on the land once owned by Croatian king Petar Krešimir IV, where you will taste some award winning wines.
