Sibenik – a place where history is still alive

Sibenik is the third-largest city in Dalmatia and it is the oldest city in Croatia established by Croats. It is located in the central Dalmatia where Krka river flows into the Adriatic sea. Because of its position, Sibenik was destined to have a major role when it comes to defense.

When you walk around Sibenik’s narrow streets, you can almost hear whispers from past in your ear, eager to tell you its story. On every corner, you can see old buildings, fortresses, and churches. Without them, the scenery of Sibenik would be so much different.

If you want to know a little bit more about Sibenik’s history, about its fortresses and must-see places, you are in the right place. Sit back and enjoy a brief history and a tour of Croatia’s oldest town made by Croats. 

A brief history of Sibenik – 1000 years in 14 sentences

Sibenik was mentioned for the first time in 1066. in a Charter of king Petar Krešimir IV. He was seated in Sibenik and for that reason, it’s nickname is Krešimirov grad (Krešimir’s city).

This town’s turbulent history started in the 11th century. Venice, Byzantium, and Hungary played a tossing game between each other with Sibenik.

In the 15th century, Sibenik was under the Venetian Republic. Ottoman Empire was under threat from the Venetians and they decided to attack Sibenik. They never conquered it.

In the 16th century, St. Nicolas’ Fortress was built, and later came Fortress of St. John’s, Sibenik and Šubićevac.

After the crash of Venice Republic, Sibenik was under the Habsburg Monarchy reign until the early 20th century. In that period Sibenik set some pretty amazing records. On 28th August 1895, Sibenik became the world’s first city with alternating-current powered street lights.

Sibenik’s turbulent history does not end here – it was under the Italian regime until 1921 when it became a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. After WWII it became a part of SFR Yugoslavia. It remained that way until Croatia declared independence back in 1991. 

Why visit Sibenik? Well, why not!

UNESCO’s protected monuments in Sibenik

Because of its rich history and heritage, UNESCO put not one, but two monuments under its protection. Only four more cities in the world can brag about that – London, Peking, Berlin and New Delhi. 

The fist monument that UNESCO protected is Cathedral of St. Jacob back in 2000. This great architectural masterpiece took over 100 years to complete. It is made entirely out of stone and it is considered to be the tallest church built of stone (it’s dome is 31 meters high!).

St. Jacob Cathedral is also unique because of the head sculptures that decorate the outside of the cathedral. There are 74 head sculptures (3 lions and 71 human) that were made by famous architect Juraj Dalmatinac. 

The second monument that was protected by UNESCO was St. Nicholas’ Fortress in 2018. It’s unique position at the entrance of St. Anthony’s channel played a crucial part in defending Sibenik from sea attacks.

National Parks around Sibenik

Sibenik is in the embrace of two national parks. NP Kornati hugs Sibenik from the sea, and NP Krka hugs it from the mainland.

Krka river made a 75 kilometers long canyon that is definitely worth exploring. This national park is famous for its countless waterfalls and island of Visovac that is on the Krka river. 

Skradinski Buk is the longest waterfall in the national park and it forms a natural pool that is surrounded by 17 more waterfalls. A view to die for.

NP Kornati is often referred to as nautical paradise. It consists of 89 small islands and your nautical skills will be put to the test. If you want to enjoy your cruising even more, you can take up a journey that is 26 nm long. That cruise connects NP Kornati and NP Krka. You can start from picturesque NP Kornati, through St. Anthony’s channel, pass the  St. Nicholas’ Fortress, all the way to Sibenik. You can stop and rest in Sibenik harbor or you can continue straight to Skradin and proceed to Skradinski Buk.

Relax, swim in the sea, or experience the adrenaline rush 

After the long day of exploring, it is normal to want to take a rest and relax. Well, Sibenik took care of that too.

Sibenik is one of the leading cities in Croatia when it comes to music festivals. There is a festival dedicated to children, the Jazz & Blues Festival, Supertoon Animated Film festival… you name it. One of the most unique festivals is a Medieval Fair and that is the time when Sibenik relives its glory days.

It would be blasphemy not to mention a traditional Klapa choir, characteristical to all places in Dalmatia. UNESCO recognized its value and put it under its protection.

Sibenik can also brag about its beaches. Not until recently you could not enjoy Sibenik beaches because of its military purposes back in the days. Now, Sibenik rearranged the city beach Banj.

Only 6 kilometers from Sibenik there is a resort Amadria Park that is available for all visitors, free of charge. Amadria Park has 4 kilometers long thematic beaches where you can find a vast selection of authentical domestic food.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, Sibenik will take care of you. You can rent a boat to explore Sibenik’s archipelago, but if you need more excitement, do not worry. You can try bungee jumping from Sibenik’s bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. If your holiday needs more spicing up, you can go kayaking on the Čikola river. 

What are you waiting for – come!

Here ends our little and quick tour of historical Sibenik. Keep in mind that this is not a place that you can explore and experience in a day or two.

Take your sweet time to walk in the narrow streets of Sibenik and soak up the rich history. Stop, take a deep breath and let the smell of domestic food fill your nostrils with a godlike smell. Take a stroll by the sea and enjoy the view of the world’s most expensive boats and yachts that are in the harbor.

Sibenik will not go anywhere. It has been here for almost a 1000 years, it can wait a little bit longer for you. But make sure to pay a visit to this great town of great kings. If you are lucky, sometimes in the middle of the night you can hear galloping horse and the voice of King Petar Krešimir IV calling for you.

Trust us, it is hard to resist the call from the past.