Sibenik, Croatia

Sibenik, a city and port in northern Dalmatia, 80 km north of Split and not far from the estuary of the Krka river into the towns bay, it is one of the most naturally protected harbours on the Adriatic coast. It is an economically developed city full of culture as well as a great tourist destination. It is a city that successfully combines its glorious past with its gift of natural beauty. While sightseeing in this city you will surely be impressed by the well-known cathedral Sv. Jakov, the most important renaissance structure in Croatia.
The city, with the old fortresses of St. Anne, St. John and Subicevac overlooking it, consists of the Old Town, characterized by narrow and steep alleys in the west, and the modern part in the north and south-east. Natural beauty of the region (Skradinski Buk, Roski Waterfall, the small island of Visovac on the Krka, the Kornati Archipelago) as well as the rich cultural and historical heritage of the city attract many tourists and excursionists. The Sibenik archipelago offers wonderfully intact nature with 249 islands, islets and reefs. Most of them are not inhabited. The few populated islands of the archipelago still preserve the authentic Mediterranean way of life. The Riviera with its natural and the historic surroundings offers numerous possibilities for trips to all areas of the region, marine activities and other forms of recreation.

Tourist offer of Sibenik

The surrounding areas are known for their picturesque landscape and untouched nature, as well as the National Park Kornati and National Park Krka, also a well-known tourist destination. The area has rocky, pebble and concrete beaches with facilities, as well as numerous islands and islets surrounded by the blue sea. Sibenik is turning more and more towards tourism as a way of life. Many of its beautiful villas are being renovated into luxurious apartments and rooms for visitors to enjoy. Other types of accommodation are the city's Hotels , apartments and campsites, Campsite Solaris.

For recreation, guests can make use of the many sporting facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, beach volleyball.

Nautical tourism is also quite developed and it is the harbour of departure for guests who would like to explore the Kornati islands.

The gastronomic offer is based on traditional cuisine, including lamb, dishes prepared on the grill or under metal covers. The locals are particularly proud of dishes prepared with turkey-hens.

History and herritage

It was mentioned for the first time in 1606, in a document issued by the most important of Croatian rulers - the king, Petar Kresimir IV. Sibenik obtained its status of a town in 1298, when the Diocese was established.

The St. Jacob’s, the cathedral of Sibenik, built for over a century, is a testimony of persistency, sacrifice and belief of the generations of inhabitants. By many things it is unique not only in the Croatian architecture, but in the European as well: it is entirely built of stone, no other material being used; it is unique by the brave structure of stone slabs and ribs, with no binding material; it is also unique among renaissance churches by its trefoil front facade; finally, it is unique by the harmony of its architecture and the row of 71 realistic sculptural portraits around the apses.

A scientist, visionary, lexicographer and storyteller, philosopher, theologian, Faust Vrancic is the most important Croatian Renaissance personality.The writer of the first Croatian dictionary, the author of the famous book of projects and inventions Machinae novae (new machines).Among the many highlights are drawing ideas homo volans (flying man), the first printed version parachute flight into history. His work included a portable boat, that is say a boat that, thanks to the same energy as the current may go against the river. It was his idea to use the printing rotary principle in order to alleviate great difficulty of printers and improve results.

Events

The most popular cultural events include the International Child's Festival (last week in June and first week in July), the Summer Organ School (in the second half of August) and the Sibenik Summer. The Day of St. James (25th of July), the patron saint of the city, is festively commemorated.

How to come

Town lies at the intersection of the main roads, thats why it is well connected with the rest of Croatia. The railroad over Perkovic connects it with the railroad Zagreb - Knin - Split. Air traffic goes through the Split Airport in Kaštela (45 km away) and Zadar Airport(50 km away). Ferry connections with the neighbouring islands (Prvic, Zlarin, Zirje, Kaprije, Obonjan).

Sibenik Map

Here's a Google Sibenik Map: use the controls in the top left-hand corner to zoome in and out, and scroll around.

View Larger Map

return from Sibenik to Exploring Croatia Home Page