Shining white against a backdrop of mountains and walled in by limestone rocks, Sibenik is a beautiful medieval city in Croatia. The oldest Croat-inhabited city in the country, its stony-faced labyrinthine streets and breathtaking historic sites make it the ideal destination for history-lovers. Lined by clean and pleasant beaches, and with access to the Krka National Park, Sibenik lies in an enviable location and has the benefit of being fairly unknown on the tourist map. Don't miss out! Check out our collection of the best places to stay in Sibenik to find out more.
Founded by the Croats in the 9th century, Sibenik has long been the object of imperial ambitions, wrestled over by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Venetian republic and Byzantines; indeed, the Venetians ruled Sibenik, along with much of the Dalmatian Coast, for the best part of 400 years. The architecture is a testament to this Venetian presence, whose untold wealth was poured into beautifying the city. The Cathedral of Saint Jacob is one such example: a UNESCO-listed site, it was constructed in the 15th century, and is a hodgepodge of various Renaissance styles, and is full of spellbinding mosaics and sculptures.
The Bunari wells, built in the fifteenth century to supply the town with water, have now become a museum, gallery and cafe and host many live music events. And don't forget to visit the St. Laurence’s monastery garden which has been recently restored. For gorgeous views, be sure to head to the Fortress of St. Michael, which boasts enchanting views of the Bay and town itself, from where you can scan your eyes over the red-tiled limestone houses, the ancient palaces of the aristocracy and the countless churches scattered about. The Church of Saint Barbara, a beautiful 15th century church, is well worth checking out, and now houses the Museum of Church Art.
What not to miss
- Enjoy the many beaches surrounding the town - aside from the Bay, they are clean and fun.
- Take a boat out to one of the nearby islands of Krapanj and Zlarin and buy some coral souvenirs.
- Explore the Cathedral of St. Jacob, a UNESCO-listed heritage site built in the 15th century.
- Walk around the beautiful medieval garden of the Monastery of St. Laurence.
- Drink in the breathtaking views from the Fortress of St. Michael.
- Trek through the Krka National Park, passed the waterfalls and archaeological remains.
Picturesque and steeped in history, Sibenik is the perfect place for history-lovers looking for an authentic Adriatic experience. Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Sibenik to start planning your trip.