Novigrad Castle, Novigrad, Croatia

Novigrad (literally “New Town”, somewhat of a misnomer), a castle ruin perched on a hill above the town of the same name, also has had a turbulent history. The Romans, and before them, the Liburnians, built forts on the same spot. Some of the walls date from Roman times, but Novigrad has been modernized.

It has several restaurants and cafes right on the water, offering nice views of the harbor. Located 31 km east of Zadar via route 502, Novigrad has been the front line in several conflicts. During dynasty wars (1385-1387) in what is now Croatia, two woman of royalty, Mary, the wife of Croatian-Hungarian King Sigismund Luxemberg, and her mother, Elizabeth, were murdered there. During the Kandian Wars (1645-1669) it was an important point of Venice’s defense against the Turks, who occupied the town during 1646-47. When the Venetians retook the town the castle was substantially destroyed.

During the more recent war of 1991-1995 after the break up of Yugoslavia, the Serbs also held the town for two years. There is another spectacular view of the modern day town and the sea from the ruins, which are accessible from several trails. The easiest to find (again, no signs!) starts from the top of some wide stairs that ascend from the east side of town. Go right at the top of the stairs and then left after about 10 meters. It takes around 10 – 15 minutes to reach the castle.

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User Reviews

Kåre Vestergård thomsen (3 years ago)
Wonderful and cute little town. The fortress is 5 stars! ? Has a lot of restaurants but very few options to buy food other places.

Zenia Czebanienko (3 years ago)
Absolutely stunning view from the ruins on Novigradsko more. Free entrance. Worth visiting.

Daria P. (3 years ago)
An amazing place to visit. It is a bit hard to get to the top, especially when it's hot, but the spectacular view makes it worth it. You can feel the history there.

Gaspard Siestrunck (3 years ago)
Pretty city and majestic ruins of a castle at the top. The climb from city parking is short but stiff so better take water with you. It is possible to wander freely in the ruins which are offering a breathtaking view of the bay and surroundings.

Katarzyna Ch (3 years ago)
Very nice ruins, prepare for a quite a climb and a lot of stairs. From the ruins at the top the view is spectacular, the climb is worth it. It is free of charge to explore.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

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Novigrad Castle

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