Nin Cathedral facts for kids
The Nin Cathedral, also known as the Church of the Holy Cross, is a very old and special church in the small town of Nin, Croatia. It is famous for being one of the smallest cathedrals ever built! Even though it is tiny, it has a big history.
Contents
The Tiny Cathedral of Nin
What Makes Nin Cathedral Special?
The Nin Cathedral is often called the smallest cathedral in the world. It was built a long, long time ago, around the year 800. Back then, it was likely the main church for a bishop. A bishop is a very important leader in some Christian churches. So, even though the building is small, it was once a very important place for religious leaders.
A Glimpse into History
This little cathedral stands on a spot that was important even before it was built. Before the Nin Cathedral, there was a large Roman building called a basilica. A basilica was a public building in ancient Rome, often used for meetings or law courts. This Roman basilica was destroyed around the 6th century. This happened during a time when different groups of people, sometimes called "barbarians," moved into and sometimes attacked parts of Europe, including Dalmatia. The Nin Cathedral was then built on the ruins of this older building.
Where is Nin?
Nin is a historic town located on the Adriatic Sea coast in Croatia. It is a very old town with a rich past. It was once an important center in the early Croatian state. The Nin Cathedral is one of the many historical treasures you can find there.