- Type
- Fortress
- Coordinates
- 44.0340°, 16.1935°
History
A stronghold on Spas hill above the river Krka existed in the early Middle Ages, and in the 11th century Knin was a seat of Croatian kings, among them Demetrius Zvonimir. Later the fortress belonged to the Hungarian-Croatian kings and was the seat of a bishopric and of powerful noble families. The Ottomans took it in 1522 and ruled for more than 160 years. In 1688 the Venetians captured Knin and gave the fortress its present shape, rebuilding it in the 18th century. After the fall of Venice in 1797 it passed to the Austrians and the French. In August 1995, during Operation Storm, the Croatian flag was raised over the fortress, marking the end of the Serb-held Republic of Krajina.
What to see
The fortress stretches for several hundred metres along the ridge and is divided into three parts – upper, middle and lower – linked by gates and courtyards. Walls, bastions, powder magazines and a chapel survive, and a museum occupies some of the buildings. The walls overlook the town, the Krka valley and the surrounding mountains. State ceremonies are held here on the anniversary of Operation Storm.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q3514386
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