The area of Novi Vinodolski is inhabited since prehistory, as witnessed by an archaeological site at Osap hill and Roman artifacts and remains such as the Lopsica fortress, found in the city itself and its vicinity. Settlement variously called Novi Grad or Novigrad (lit. New City) was built in the 13th century by the House of Frankopan who acquired the area as their possession at the time. Contemporary development of the region is witnessed by Vinodol Statute of 1288 and significant Glagolitic works of the era. Until the 17th century the city was ruled by the Principality of Krk or as a Frankopan estate. In the 16th century, Novi Vinodolski became a part of Habsburg Empire and it shares political fate of the Kingdom of Croatia and its successor states since then.
The city of Novi Vinodolski is the hometown of writers Ivan and Matija Ma�urani?. Ivan Ma�urani? was also the first Croatian ban born as a commoner. The soul of Novi Vinodolski consists of historical remains and cultural heritage, namely remains of a Paulist monastery, Frankopan fortress and castle, a cathedral, Trinity church and Saint Marinus church located on a small eponymous island, house of the Ma�urani? brothers, a library built in 1845, Homeland museum and gallery, old city core, as well as preserved authentic and indigenous folk lore of the city
