Festival of the Sun and Light in the Church of the Holy CrossWhat secrets, extraordinary to our mind, still imponderable ideas and ways of realisation are hidden in the Church of the Holy Cross? And in what way does the playing of the sun, light and shadow unmistakably, like a calendar or a sundial tell us about the season, month and even the hour? The first Festival of the Sun and Light was a unique event held in the Church of the Holy Cross on the first day of summer 2009, the International Year of Astronomy. At the right time, in the right place! This event –unique, just as this Church called ‘the smallest Cathedral in the world’ – is based on the evaluation of the astronomic and the architectural importance of the Church of the Holy Cross, a Pre-Romanesque building with a ground plan in the shape of a cross and a dome having special characteristics. Namely each side of the church has an oval opening and its construction and position in relation to the position of the Sun throughout the year –as explained by the scientist Mladen Pejaković – depends on the winter and summer solstice; spring and fall equinox and it was made in order to serve as a sundial and a calendar. For this reason, watching the playing of light and shadow is an extraordinary experience for children and adults, scientists and all visitors. This is an occasion to promote the astronomical and architectural importance of the Church of the Holy Cross, which some experts have compared with Stonehenge. Along with the beauty of the play of light and shadow in this unique building and the excitement of the beginning of summer, this exceptional festival is visited by an increasing number of sightseers who enjoy this event, taking part in creative workshops and listening to various interesting lectures. |
Curiosities
Medicinal mud Did you know that in Nin there is the largest site of the medicinal mud in Croatia with 120,000 m3 of surface? Therefore, in 1960. Nin was registered at The Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia as a thalassotherapy health resort and site of the sea peloid in North Dalmatia with a summer clinic in open for the bath therapy. The peloid – medicinal mud is located in the middle of the Lagoon of Nin, near the longest sandy beach in Croatia, the Queen's beach. Its beneficial and positive effects on human health have been recognized even by ancient Romans. Under the medical supervision therapy is held in July and August. 
|
