Biograd na Moru travel guide

About Biograd na Moru: City of Biograd na moru (translated into "White City by the sea") gets its name from the old Slavic tradition that the beautiful city is called "white".
This tradition is found throughout the area inhabited by the Slavs.

However, this Biograd in its name also carries a feature that highlights its beauty - "by the sea".

The town's name is mentioned even in the ancient 10-th century, when it was founded by Croatian kings.

Biograd became the capital of kings and bishops of the time. In 1102. Koloman of Hungary was crowned in Biograd and thus marked the unification of the Croatian kingdom with kingdom of Hungary.

It is interesting to mention the fact that during the 4th crusade citizens of Zadar on the run from the armies took refugee in Biograd. These few years Biograd was also known as Jadra Nova (in translation "New Zadar").

Biograd was a famous center throughout much of its history. Biograd was ruled by the Dukes of Cetina, Knights Templar of Vrana, Dukes Šubićevi and others.

During the great expansion of Venetian Republic In 1409., Biograd as well other cities, falls under Venetian ownership.

Biograd will remain under the control of Venice until its dissolution in 1797th.

Long centuries under Venetian rule were not always pleasant for Biograd. At that time there were long and bloody Venetian-Turkish wars.

Biograd ,during the warfare years, often found itself on the front line and suffered great material damage. On two occasions, in 1521. and 1646., Biograd was completely destroyed and burned down.

But better times for Biograd come in 19th century, during the reign of France.
At the beginning of the 20th century Biograd began to establish itself as a tourist destination, mainly between the two world wars.

First Hotel was built in Biograd in 1935. and the first tourists who have discovered the beauty of Biograd were mostly Czechs.

Today Biograd is a well-known tourist destination, and its prestigious position is confirmed in 2007. when being awarded "Silver Flower of Europe" - recognition which is given for decoration of the urban area.