in 1571 and the second in 1646. On both occasions, the Venice government gave an order to burn the town and destroy it systematically before abandoning it, so that the Ottomans could not use it as a stronghold. After the 1646 destruction, Nin was never restored to its former condition, and lost its original importance. The economic development of Nin began after World War II. Since 1969, Nin has been developing as a tourist destination. Nin today is a historical and tourist town which looks for its development in the valorization of its historical heritage. In recent years, many monuments have been restored. Because of the importance of Nin in the history of Croatia, tourists visit from Croatia and elsewhere in Europe. They come especially to visit two symbols of the old town: the church of Holy Cross from the 9th century, called “the smallest cathedral in the world”, and the coronation church. After 1980 near Nin a high power medium wave broadcasting station was built. Population According to the 2011 census, there were 2,744 inhabitants in the area of the City of Nin, and 1,132 inhabitants in Nin itself. References Further reading External links Nin tourist site St. Nicholas of Nin Chapel, 11th century Nin sea salt production and museum Nin photos Queen Beach Nin Cities and towns in Croatia Populated coastal places in Croatia Former capitals of Croatia Populated places in Zadar County Illyrian Croatia