There is much history and mystery surrounding the present day city of Novigrad. In the ancient times, the city was referred to as Neapolis and it has been populated since the Roman times. Aon a small coastal island in the southern portion of the Istrian peninsula, one can find the ancient city of Novigrad in all of its natural wonder.
Complete with the Mediterranean climate, life on Novigrad is slow but enchanting. The Romans first settled the area and built upon the island a fortress whose responsibility was to protect the mouth of the Mirna River. By the 5th century, the town became an important economical and political center in the region.
After the Romans, the city fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire until the arrival of the Franks in the 8th century. Because of its centralized location, the town experienced its first major boon in development. However, as was the fate of the vast majority of the Istrian Peninsula, Novigrad suffered from the plague, malaria as well as the constant attacks of feuding empires.
The town itself was destroyed in the 14th century as a result of the conflicts between Genoa and the Venetians. Again in the 17th century, the Turkish army attacked the city and leveled much of it. Today one can still find more than 90 stone monuments which date back to the middle ages, spread out throughout the city. There is an 18th century palace, 13th century walls which still stand today and even a church which was first built back in the 9th century.
There are several carnivals, fairs and major events in the city of Novigrad that occur every year and bring in visitors from all over the world. Most of these festivals are geared towards food and eating so if you ever visit Novigrad and want a taste of the local cuisine, then your attendance to anyone of these popular events is a must.
Photo by MountMan Photo
