Why you shouldn’t skip a visit to Sibenik’s Old Town
Even if you are not a big fan of rich history and prefer spending your days at the beach, make sure you will find some time to VISIT SIBENIK. You don’t have to spend 6 hours in the museums, just walk around and fascinating historical sites will appear around you. Impressing charm of the old town will take your breath away. The historic city center is made up of picturesque alleys, stairs and small churches. We will guide you through our favorite places.
Insider tips: In the middle of the summer it’s definitely better to choose evening for your excursion. It’s not so hot anymore and you will not have to squeeze among other tourists. But still – if it’s spring or autumn , any time of a day is perfect for a nice stroll around. Don’t forget your bottle of water!
While you are driving through outer parts of Sibenik you might be a bit disappointed, questioning your choice of destination. Don’t worry though, soon it will change. Old streets, churches and many details of the old city center will reveal a story that began in the 11th century.
Sibenik – a small historic town on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. Still far behind Dubrovnik and Split slowly is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Thanks to the group of young but competent individuals, Sibenik continues with successful EU projects implementation. With the help of EU funds revitalisation of the fortresses will help to bring more visitors and enable economic awakening and orientation towards tourism.
So let’s start our journey through the narrow streets of Sibenik.
Doesn’t matter if you are beginning your walk at the waterfront with a cup of coffee or beer in the narrow streets this attractions are definite MUST SEE!
6 AMAZING PLACES TO SEE
IN SIBENIK’S OLD TOWN
- SIBENIK CATHEDRAL OF ST.JAMES
St. James’s Cathedral is listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage. The cathedral is built in Gothic and Renaissance style and is one of the architectural highlights of the Dalmatian Coast. Started in the early 15th century, this grand cathedral took more than 100 years to complete. During Croatian war of Independence the cathedral was damaged in 1991. and reconstructed from August 1996. One of the most interesting features of the cathedral is a series of more than 70 stone heads on the outside, that represent the citizens of Sibenik from the 15th century. It is the only monument of this type that is constructed completely out of stone.
UNESCO World Heritage Sibenik Cathedral>>
2. SIBENIK CITY HALL
Across the square from the cathedral stands the Renaissance Town Hall. Famous for its beautiful large columns, arches, and balustrade, this superb example of Renaissance architecture dates from the middle of the 16th century. From the ground floor cafe you can have better view of the Cathedral.
3. STREETS AND CHURCHES OF OLD TOWN
A fun thing to do is just walking around. Very often you can get lost, but friendly local people will help you to get back on the right truck. Grab e beer in one of the atmospheric streets, take some photos and enjoy.
4. THE FORTRESS OF ST.MICHAEL
Built on a hill, centuries ago, between the sky and the sea, this is a place where Šibenik was born, the place where the first inhabitants built their homes overlooking the most beautiful view of the Channel of St. Anthony and the islands in the background. Located at a height of 70 meters above the sea it was built in the period from 15th to 17th century. The Fortress is located on a strategically extremely favorable position, halfway between the antique Zadar and Split, in the protected mouth of the Krka river and near all important transportation roads in Dalmatia.There are two entrance to the fortress. In the summer season a huge number of interesting events and concerts is taking place.
5. WATERFRONT ( RIVA ) AND CITY MUSEUM
Beautiful walking area by the sea in old town of Sibenik with its remarkable view and numerous cafe bars and restaurants. City museum is situated in ex Prince’s palace near the cathedral. The history of Sibenik and Croatia is displayed with a lot of multimedia content. The Museum is divided into archaeological, cultural and historical section with a recent history department. The permanent exhibition counts approximately 150,000 exhibits.
6. BARONE FORTRESS
Barone Fortress was built in 1646 on Vidakuša, the 80 meter-high hill above the city. Along with the other three fortresses in Šibenik, it represents a unique defence system which resisted the enemies of the city for centuries. Today, it has an exceptional monumental value recognized across Europe. 370 years later step into the augmented reality and experience the battle for Šibenik from 1647 using your smart devices or AR glasses.
