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It is situated on southeast side of hill Spas, surrounded with rivers Krka, Radljevica, Garešnica and Butižnica. Owing to its position, it was an important strategic centre which controlled the roads that connect the hinterland with the sea. The first time it was mentioned in X century as the town Tnena. In IX century it was capital of Croatian prince, from XI century the capital of Croatian king, and from XII century capital of Croatian governor. Croatian rulers were building churches and monasterys; all this objects were destroyed since the time of Turkish conquer, but nevertheless Knin was the place of birth and hub of earlycroatian art.

About its medieval importance the best proof is the fact that in XI century a diocese was founded here and its authority was recognized as far as the river Drava. Because of its geografic location and defence forces, Knin was in the past the most important fortress in Dalmatia.Very well preserved Knin fort on Spas hill overlooking the town, built in IX century, proves it. Knin was the capital of Croatian kings and it reached its prosperity during the reign of King Zvonimir (1074.-1088.), and thet is way the town is often called Zvonimir´s town. By the end of XIX century Knin ceases to be military-strategic centre and since that period it grows steadiliy becoming important in economy and commerce and as road and railway transportation centre.

Knin was not spared in recent Homeland War, too as it became the center of the rebels against the Croatian Republic. Nevertheless in 1995 above the town, at the top of the fortress, Croatian flag was hoisted. It meant the new beginning and renewal of development as well as the return of its inhabitants and their orientation towards the economic prosperity. It area abounds in cultural and historical monuments, it is near the source of river Krka, and it is also offering sports fishing and game hunting in Burnum reserve. Burnum itself, which is only 18km far from Knin is also known for being an Illyrian settlement, and from the 33 AD it was Roman military camp. Knin is situated in crag plain rich with sources of seven rivers and surrounded with mountains.

There are 16000 inhabitants in Knin; most of them have arrived from Croatian regions in Bosna and Herzegovina, and other parts of Croatia. By age structure it is the youngest town in Croatia; most of the inhabitants are young married couples, jovenails, and children.