History

The traces of settlements in the Karin area that date back to the period of Illyrians and Romans, who called it Corinium and built an amphitheater. It had road links the neighbouring Asseria, Nedinum and Iader. After the great migrations of the early Middle Ages and the period of the Goths in the 5th and 6th centuries, it was the estate of different Croatian noble families - Lapčani, Gusić, Kurjaković and Karlović. It's mentioned in the writings of Pliny, Ptolemy and teh Byzantine emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. It was occupied by the Turks in 1527 and they controlled it until 1683. In the centuries that followed after the Turkish wars the old Karin was left to slow deterioration and devastation. Nevertheless, the remains of forts and towers of this ancient town can still be seen today on the hills around Karin.

Engraving (17th century)

Old fort

Walls

Info

  • Fra Stanko Bačić: Franjevački samostan u Karinu

State

The ruins of the old town of Karin can be reached by taking the right turn toward the village of Popovići on the road from Benkovac to Karin. Soon after you take this turn you'll be able to see fortifications on the hills above the road. The degrees of their decomposition are diverse. You can take a narrow footpath uphill and enjoy the scenery after a short climb.

Ruins