Church of the Holy Cross
The 9th-century church known as the “smallest cathedral in the world” is one of the symbols of Nin and a remarkable piece of early Croatian architecture.
Photo: Pequod76 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Culture & history nearby
Nearby cultural landmarks
Nin is one of Croatia’s most fascinating historic towns — and its highlights are only a short drive or bike ride from Villa Julija.
Most of these sights are in or around Nin old town, approximately 2 km from Villa Julija.
NEAR THE VILLA
Nin & surroundings
Roman Temple
In the heart of Nin are the remains of a monumental Roman temple from the 1st century AD — the largest known Roman temple complex on the eastern Adriatic coast.
Photo: Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5
Church of St Nicholas
Set alone on a small mound in the fields of Prahulje, this 11th–12th-century church is tied to the tradition of Croatian royal coronations and is especially beautiful at sunset.
Historic photo via Europeana / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Condura Croatica
Discover Nin’s maritime history through the reconstructed old Croatian boat. The original 11th-century Condura boats are preserved in the Museum of Nin Antiquities.
Photo: Joadl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Museum of Nin Antiquities
The archaeological museum in Nin presents the town’s past from prehistory and Roman Aenona through the early Croatian and medieval periods. Its collection also includes the famous reconstructed Condura boats.
Solana Nin & Salt Museum
Nin’s historic saltworks are more than 1,500 years old. Walk through the story of traditional salt harvesting, visit the House of Salt and see the extraordinary salt pans between Nin and the lagoon.
DAY & EVENING TRIP
Zadar · about 25 minutes away
Archaeological Museum Zadar
One of Croatia’s oldest museums, with major prehistoric, Roman and medieval collections from northern Dalmatia. It is an excellent companion visit to the Museum of Nin Antiquities.
Church of St Donatus
Zadar’s iconic circular pre-Romanesque church from the 9th century, standing beside the Roman Forum and one of the city’s defining landmarks.
Roman Forum
The remains of the ancient Roman forum form the historic heart of Zadar, directly beside St Donatus and the cathedral.
Cathedral of St Anastasia
The largest cathedral in Dalmatia, with a beautiful Romanesque façade and a bell tower that rewards visitors with wide views over the old town.
Land Gate & city walls
The monumental Renaissance Land Gate is one of the most impressive entrances to Zadar’s old town and part of the city’s historic fortification system.