History and attractions of Biograd

The name Biograd na Moru means "white place on the sea". In the 13th century, during the occupation of Zadar (Zara) by the Crusaders, many people fled to Biograd. So sometimes you can meet another name of this place - Zara vecchia (Old Zara).

Biograd na Moru was first mentioned in the chronicles of the 10th century as a town founded by Croatian kings. In the 11th century, it became the residence of the Croatian kings.

In the 12th century the Hungarian king Koloman I was crowned here, thus uniting the Croatian and Hungarian crowns. In 1125 the town was almost completely destroyed by the Venetians.

In the 13th and 14th centuries the town was ruled by the local dukes. In 1409, together with a large part of Dalmatia, it was annexed to Venice.

In the 16th and 17th centuries Biograd suffered significant losses during the wars between the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. After the fall of the Venetian Republic in the 18th century, the city was joined to Austria, after World War I it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and later Yugoslavia.

Since 1991, Biograd na Moru is part of Croatia. The city was severely damaged by Serbian bombing during the war between Croats and Krajina Serbs in 1991- 1993. By now, the effects of the bombing have been repaired.

Attractions in Biograd

Vransko Lake is the largest lake in Croatia, 7 km from the city. On the shores of the lake is located a nature park, which today has 256 species of birds.

Along with bird watchers, quality recreation will be found here by fishermen, who can catch fish on the lake almost all year round (of course, having purchased a license). Fans of biking and hiking will have an unparalleled experience on the 40-kilometer bike trails around the lake. More information can be seen on the park's official website at www.pp-vransko-jezero.hr

St. Anastasia Church (1761) is the main church of the city.

The Church of St. Anthony and the Church of St. Roch are small Romanesque chapels.

St. John's Basilica (11th century) is part of the monastic complex of St. John the Evangelist, located in Biograd. The former Benedictine monastery is today a ruin. However, it was one of the most interesting architectural structures that remind of the past of Biograd.

Regional Museum Biograd na Moru

History lovers can visit the Biograd Heritage Museum, located in the center of the city. The museum building was built in the late 18th century on the foundations of the former medieval walls. Before building was transformed into a museum, it was a courthouse. Museum contains a rich archaeological collection, which shows life in Biograd in antiquity, ethnographic collection and collection of "Shipwreck of the 16th century. The ship was accidentally discovered in 1967, the collection holds more than 10,000 valuable objects.