The Gold and Silver Church Treasury of Nin

This collection is a valuable showcase of ecclesiastical art that highlights the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The collection is housed in a specially arranged space adjacent to the Parish Church of St. Anselm in Nin, which once served as a cathedral during the era of the Croatian national rulers.

As one of the oldest Croatian royal cities and a crucial early medieval center, Nin boasts a rich history. Its churches, both those that no longer exist and those that have been preserved, served as true treasuries of valuable artistic objects. The “Zlato i Srebro grada Nina” collection safeguards a part of this significant ecclesiastical art.

Collection Highlights

The treasury contains a variety of precious items, including:

• Reliquaries: Particularly valuable are the reliquaries of heavenly patrons such as St. Anselm, St. Ambrose, and St. Marcella, dating from the late 8th to the 15th century. Some are excellent examples of 9th-century Carolingian goldsmithing.
• “Judas’ Silver Coin” Reliquary: This unique reliquary from the late 15th century holds a Greek didrachm minted on the island of Rhodes (around 335 BC), believed to be one of the “thirty pieces of silver” paid to Judas.
• Pope Pius II’s Ring: A 15th-century ring that belonged to Pope Pius II, which was given to the Nin bishop Natal Giorgi.
• Wooden Carvings and Votive Offerings: These include items dedicated to Our Lady of Zečevo.
• Other Valuable Religious Artifacts: These artifacts reflect the long history and significance of the Nin Diocese.

Historical Context

The collection offers insights into the period when the Nin Diocese was established and into earlier times, showcasing craftsmanship and religious devotion over centuries.

In essence, “Zlato i Srebro grada Nina” is a significant cultural attraction in Nin, offering a glimpse into the town’s profound spiritual and artistic legacy.