Situated in the central part of the northern Croatian coast, tourist town of Novi Vinodolski developed from the old Frankopan family fortress.
Novi Vinodolski was first mentioned in 1288 in the Statute of Vinodol. This is one of the most important parts of the Croatian heritage, as well as one of the important European medieval documents.
Roman fort Lopsica is situated in the southern part of the town. Experts disagree on whether it was an old Roman fortress or an old medieval town of the Frankopan family. In 1598, it was completely destroyed by the Venetians, who attacked and pillaged the town on several occasions. The worst attack took place in 1615, when a garrison from Novi Vinodolski assisted the Senj Uskoks. When Venice found out about it, they attacked the poorly defended town. They slaughtered women, children and the elderly, all for the glory of Venice.
The most recognizable symbol of Novi Vinodolski is the bell tower of the Church of St Philip and Jacob, 36 meters high. It was built on the plateau of a steep cliff above the sea.
Votive Church of St Fabian and Sebastian stood in the place of the bell tower and, according to legend, it was built in 24 hours to protect the people from the plague.
Old 17th century choir benches are preserved in the church.
Votive Church of St Fabian and Sebastian stood in the place of the bell tower and, according to legend, it was built in 24 hours to protect the people from the plague.
Old 17th century choir benches are preserved in the church.
There is a sacral art collection in the late 15th century Church of the Holy Trinity. Unfortunately, the church is quite ruinous.
The town was struck by a devastating earthquake in 1750, which caused a lot of damage. Seven years later, strong bura wind damaged the town even more and, in 1761, the town council decided to level two thirds of the town buildings in order to save money for reparation.
Frankopan Castle – Novigrad belonged to the Frankopan family until 1761. After Fran Krsto Frankopan and Petar Zrinski were executed in Wiener Neustadt, their lands were divided among other feudal families.
During the Illyrian movement, the National library and reading house was established on the ground floor of the Frankopan castle. The National Museum is situated on the second floor, where you can see numerous exhibits and documents from the history of Novi Vinodolski. There are some very interesting collections in the museum: ethnographic collection of traditional costumes and instruments, archeological and underwater archeology finds from Novi Vinodolski and Povile, art collection, collection of weapons and the memorial collection of writer Ivan Mažuranić.
Vinodol Valley was a significant winemaking area in the past.
Many people don’t know that žlahtina is an autochthonous wine grape variety of this area, but it was almost extinct after a big epidemic of wine grape lice at the end of the 19th century. It was successfully transferred to Krk Island. There are attempts to restore the once famous žlahtina vineyards in Vinodol area.
Many people don’t know that žlahtina is an autochthonous wine grape variety of this area, but it was almost extinct after a big epidemic of wine grape lice at the end of the 19th century. It was successfully transferred to Krk Island. There are attempts to restore the once famous žlahtina vineyards in Vinodol area.
This historical and cultural center of Vinodol duchy is the home of the Mažuranić literary family. The house where some of the best Croatian writers Antun, Matija and, by far the most famous, Ivan Mažuranić, who was a Croatian ban (viceroy), were born is located at the center of the town. Ivan Mažuranić’s most popular work “The Death of Smail-aga Čengić”, published in 1846 is one of the most important works of Croatian literature.
TRADITION
The cultural heritage of Novi Vinodolski includes old folk traditions, songs, a wooden instrument called sopile and, most of all, the traditional costume of Novi Vinodolski. The local people cherish their tradition and you can see the traditional costume and hear sopile on a very special occasion – novljansko kolo (Novi Vinodolski round dance). The dancers dance in the afternoon three days in a row on the square in front of the Frankopan Castle during the carnival or, as they call it, Mesopust.Children learn this dance from an early age and this interesting tradition continues.
SURROUNDING AREA
There are many promenades, excursion sites, cycling paths and lookouts above Novi Vinodolski.
We visited one of the places with a truly spectacular view. On your way up, you can see wild horses which roam the mountains and you have to be careful not to bump into them with your car.
One of the interesting sites in the area is a Glass chapel. It is located in the Omar village and it is completely built from metal and glass. According to the local people, it was built by Petar Krpan called Samac (Loner) at the beginning of the 20th ct. There is a round stone cistern near the chapel surrounded with a small dry wall. Surroundings are completely shaped with dry walls.
THE CARNIVAL
The peak of summer in Novi Vinodolski is the International Summer Carnival which takes place every summer for over 20 years and gathers increasing number of participants of all generations. It all starts with children’s carnival and handover of the town keys to the Carnival Master of Ceremony, and ends in great carnival final night. All generations, young and old, participate in a big carnival procession and have a great time. This is definitely not to be missed out since mischief and practical jokes are allowed during the carnival.DESTINATION REVIEW
The upsides are well organized parking with plenty of space, unbelievably kind local people, as well as wonderful walks, lookouts and cycling paths.The biggest downside is the confusing traffic regulation around the town center. The idea was to circumvent the center with roundabout streets, but the traffic regulation isn’t well solved. Although we are familiar with the town, we had problems finding our way, and we can only imagine what it is like for people who arrive here for the first time.
Entertainment offer in Novi Vinodolski is excellent during summer carnival, but there is an apparent lack of good nightclubs and cocktail bars. Something should definitely be done to improve entertainment offer, especially for young people.
Novi Vinodolski has a lot to offer to all types of guests. From interesting historical heritage, sports and recreation, excellent gastronomy, sociable and cheerful hosts to luxurious accommodation in nearby high category hotels.NOT TO MISS
Frankopan Castle
Remains of the Roman fort Lopsica
Carnival
Glass chapel
Numerous promenades and lookouts
Birth house of Mažuranić brothers
National library and museum