It is a story about Nin and Festival of the Sun and Light in the Church of the Holy Cross. The church is one of Nin`s symbols. Nin is the oldest Croatian royal town. We can tell, Nin is a Croatian Bethlehem…

The unique Festival of the Sun and Light in the Church of the Holy Cross has developed from valuable architectural and astronomical significance of this 9th century. English architect named it the smallest cathedral in the world.

It is interesting, and you could come to visit it and visit Nin. Magical play of the Sun, light and shadows is displayed inside the church, therefore some experts compare it to Stonehenge. There is a special relationship between the Sun and the church, visible through light communication. The church is used as the Sun`s solar clock and calendar.

On the first day of summer, 21th June, during the summer solstice, in the church`s central apse the light can be observed for two hours of the morning; between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. During these hours the Sun is positioned very high in the sky and at this point minimum amount of light rays enter the church.

On the first day of spring, at 10.00 a.m., the equinox light rays are entering parallel through 3 windows forming three parallel oval shapes in the middle of the church. The same formation of the Sun rays happens on the first day of autumn , at 11.00 a.m. due to daylight saving time.

On the first day of winter, the first morning sun rays are visible in the church and exactly at noon all the Sun rays disappear.

You must come and see it. Greeting from the king`s town of Nin!!