Ottomans arrive here in 1415 and Drniš was under Ottoman rule till the end of 17th century. This historic period is marked by frequent conflicts between the Ottomans and the Venetians. In Ottoman time, Drniš was a progressive town with 200-300 households, 5 mosques, water supply from the Promina Mountain and several bridges over Čikola River.
With the arrival of the Venetian authorities in 18th century Drnis descending from the Gradina and build the facilities and market, palazzino and kvartir, which make up today's city center.
The Habsburg Monarchy takes the rule over this area in 1798. In a short time period from 1806 until 1813, their rule was interrupted by Napoleon. After his demise the Habsburg Monarchy rule was continued till 1918. During this historical period Drniš lives to see remarkable changes: opening of the post office, continuous primary education introduced, formation of Drniš orchestra, opening of Slavjanska national library, railway connection to Split and Šibenik built (coal mines on Promina Mountain influence the industrialization process), construction of water supply system built (by this time the only drinking fountain was in Badanj (Stara česma)), start of exploitation of bauxite in Kalun, etc.
In 1923, under the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians, the town gets electricity. In 1925 railway line towards Zagreb was completed, and telecommunication system built (telephone lines). After the World War II, Drniš has once more been destructed during the Croatian Independence War (1991-1995). After four years in exile, Drniš inhabitants returned to their homes and rebuilt the town once more.
