Sibenik is a town which successfully combines its famous past and the gift of natural beauties. Nature has granted this town, the name of which was mentioned by the kings, luxury of big and small islands bathed in the blueness of the sea, as well as a fascinating landscape of the national park Krka. It is the city with the greatest number of music organs and the most steps in all Croatia. Your time in Sibenik will be filled with attractive possibilities – we bring you 10 sights you have to visit in Sibenik.
1. St. Jakov’s Cathedral
The symbol of the town, a part of UNESCO’s world heritage, was being built for more than a hundred years and is a true evidence of the talent of its architectures, Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac. The whole cathedral was made of stone, without the use of other materials, and it contains more than 70 portraits on its apses. The story of the Cathedral of Sibenik starts in 1298, when Sibenik becomes a town and gets its own diocese, but the actual building started only in 1431. It was divided into four phases, up until 1535.
The thing that made the Cathedral unique is a special system of placing blocks of rock, enabling the cathedral to be built solely out of stone, without any bonds. There are 72 head sculptures of different people on the apses, a unique example of the renaissance realism- it is assumed that many of them were famous people of the time. Nikola Firentinac lifted the dome according to the plan of Juraj Dalmatinac, and had the honor of being remembered as the author of the roof complex and the upper part of the façade. The cathedral was finished by the Venice craftsmen, Bartol and Jakov from Mestra, in 1535. A small square that encircles it is one of the most beautiful Croatian squares.
2. Wells (4 wells)
Some ten of meters from the Cathedral of St. Jakov, there is a little plateau beneath which there used to be a public city cistern – water accumulation. The citizens of Sibenik had it built because of the frequent drought periods, as well as military sieges. There are four wells on the plateau (its outer part) out of which water could be drained. In the subsoil – the inside of the complex, there is an interesting coffee shop and a wine bar Bunari Danas (Wells Today) which is a great place to go out to, because different popular entertainers perform there.
3. Medieval convent, Mediterranean garden “St.Lovre”
It was restored and opened in 2007, after being forgotten for a hundred years. The garden is the central part of the convent of St.Lovre. When visiting, the tourist can explore Gospina spilja (Cave of the Virgin Mary) as well. This garden is a rare sight because it is the only convent of the kind in Croatia, otherwise gardens of this type are very rare, there are only a few in this part of Europe. There is also a coffee bar, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
4. Medieval fair in Sibenik
The fair takes place at the end of September, around the Day of St. Mihovil (29.09.) It is a representation of the renaissance period, which helps to enliven, at least for a moment on the alleys and squares of Sibenik, the people whose portraits are on the chaplet of the apses of the Cathedral.
5. Bungee Jump on the Sibenik bridge
The only bungee jump off a bridge in Croatia is reserved for the courageous and people in search of adventure. The height of the bridge is 40m and the range of the arch is 362m. It is not necessary to have any experience before bungee jumping. All you need is good will and courage, and money to jump. (every year from 01.07.-01.09. – 10:00-20:00 on working days, 10:00-14:00 during weekends)
6. “Inside Club”
It offers a full program until the early hours of the morning. You will enjoy with good DJs or in a popular Live Show.
7. Tavern “Dalmatino”
It is situated in the center of the town and will take you to the old days with its antique, almost museum ambient. Everyday menu offers fresh fish and sea food, as well as domestic Mediterranean herbs and vegetables. The most famous are the “Dalmatino” pancakes. Out of the rich offer of fish and fish specialties, the most popular dish is the fish meal “Dalmatino” for two persons. It has a wide range of wines, as well.
8. St. Mihovil Fort
The St. Mihovil Fort is situated on a slope, 70m above sea level, above the old town agglomeration. It was built in the period between 15th-17th centuries out of white stone. During archeological research, the relics of a culture from the Iron Age were found, which proves that the Croats built a fort on the spot where old Illyrians once lived.
9. Sibenik evenings of folk music (klape) – July/August
Sibenik is known for its long tradition of folk music (klapsko) singing. Every Thursday in July and August, organized by the Tourist community of Sibenik, Evenings of folk music take place. The entire happening takes place in the old part of the town, on a beautiful square surrounded by old houses. The thirst of the audience for music evenings of this type in Sibenik is the best evidence that it should be preserved.
10. Souvenirs of Sibenik
* The button of Sibenik – has been a part of the male folk costumes and has been recently recognized as an original souvenir of Sibenik. Today it can be bought in the shape of earrings, rings, pendants, tie needles, broaches, necklaces and similar.
* The hat of Sibenik – is one of the most recognizable symbols of Sibenik. While walking around you will notice people, especially older persons, wearing popular hats of Sibenik, once red, now orange. One of the legends says that, in the past, the main fabric merchant was late with the supply of red scarf (wool fabric) for the hats, so he returned home with a cargo of orange scarf.
