Church of the Holy Cross, Nin
Nin, Croatia
A tiny 9th-century church, often called the smallest cathedral in the world, in the lagoon town of Nin. The old centre sits on an island reached by stone bridges; sandy beaches and salt pans are nearby.
The Church of the Holy Cross in Nin on the Dalmatian coast (Croatia) dates from the 9th century and is known as the “smallest cathedral in the world”. The nickname comes from the fact that it was once the seat of the Bishop of Nin; the bishopric lasted until the 18th century. This pre-Romanesque central-plan building has a deliberately unbalanced, elliptical shape and shows Croatian interlace ornament, known as troplet.
An inscription names Godečaj, the župan of Nin, who had the church built next to his seat. The art historian Mladen Pejaković suggests the shape was meant to work as a sundial and calendar. This is a theory, not an established fact. For access and opening times, it is best to ask at the tourist information office on the spot.
- Nearest town
- Nin, Croatia
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.2417, 15.1822
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Croatia: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ninska LagunaCampsite1 km from Church of the Holy Cross, NinTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camp PinetaCampsite7 km from Church of the Holy Cross, Nin · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping MiočićCampsite11 km from Church of the Holy Cross, NinTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Premium Camping ZadarMotorhome stopover12 km from Church of the Holy Cross, Nin · 2,700 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camp ŠibuljinaCampsite17 km from Church of the Holy Cross, NinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camp NavisCampsite17 km from Church of the Holy Cross, NinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Croatia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Church of the Holy Cross, Nin?
Church of the Holy Cross, Nin is in Nin, Croatia, at GPS 44.2417, 15.1822. It is about 14 km from Zadar.
Can you camp near Church of the Holy Cross, Nin?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kamp "Nin", about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 68 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Church of the Holy Cross, Nin?
Church of the Holy Cross, Nin is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir.
What is there to see near Church of the Holy Cross, Nin?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sea Organ (14 km), Paklenica National Park (23 km), Plitvička jezera (76 km) and Skradinski buk (79 km).
When is the best time to visit Church of the Holy Cross, Nin?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)