The town of Sibenik, also the capital of the Sibenik-Knin region in northern-central Dalmatia, is the oldest town on the Adriatic coast that was established by the Croats - without any influence from the Romans, Venetians or others. The first written mention of Sibenik is from 1066 in a document written by the Croatian king Petar Krešimir IV.
Sibenik-Knin county is home to at least 15 fortifications, 11 of them from the medieval period and still in good condition to this day. Four of these are located within the town of Sibenik, their duty as the town's defense system was to protect the town from invasions throughout the centuries, least of not the Ottomans.
These are:
There are numerous others around the county, mostly located in the hinterland in the vicinity of Krka National Park, but most notably is the impressive fortress of Knin which dominates the highest point above this town.
One of the most important factors of Sibenik's heritage is the medieval town core. It consists of a labyrinth of typically narrow Dalmatian streets, known as 'kala'. Of unique cultural significance within the historical town centre is the number of churches. Sibenik had the greatest number amongst all the historic Dalmatian town centres, at one point numbering 28. To this day, 13 remain preserved.
The most famous of these churches situated in the historical town core, is the iconic Cathedral of St Jacob (Sv Jakov) which symbolically represents the town of Sibenik. The construction of the cathedral lasted in total for 105 years; from 1431 until 1536.
Protected by UNESCO since 2000 (one of seven UNESCO sites in the Republic of Croatia), St Jacob is renowned for its construction methods and is a structure not only recognised for its significance in Croatian art history but also on a European level.
The frieze of 74 human heads is of particular interest, made by the peer of the cathedral's head architect Juraj Dalmatinac, positioned on the apse exteriors. It is believed that the actual heads were based on real people living in Sibenik during the time of construction.
- The original fortress of St Michael (Sv Mihovil) - patron saint of Sibenik - located in the historic town centre commencing at the coastline and rising 70m steep. Building commenced in the 15th Century lasting until the 17th Century. St Michael fortress was damaged twice, in the mid 1600s and the mid 1700s, due to storage of gunpowders and explosives, but rebuilt.
- St John (Sv Ivan), positioned on the highest point (115m) above the town, was built in a star pattern in the year 1646 and completed in only six weeks.
- Subicevac, located on several hundred metres below St John. The two were built at the same time.
- The the truly unique fortress and the strongest naval fortification on the coast of Croatia, St Nicholas (Sv Nikola) located on the island of Ljuljevac, at the canal entrance into Sibenik. Built in the mid 16th Century to protect Sibenik from attack by sea.
There are numerous others around the county, mostly located in the hinterland in the vicinity of Krka National Park, but most notably is the impressive fortress of Knin which dominates the highest point above this town.
One of the most important factors of Sibenik's heritage is the medieval town core. It consists of a labyrinth of typically narrow Dalmatian streets, known as 'kala'. Of unique cultural significance within the historical town centre is the number of churches. Sibenik had the greatest number amongst all the historic Dalmatian town centres, at one point numbering 28. To this day, 13 remain preserved.
The most famous of these churches situated in the historical town core, is the iconic Cathedral of St Jacob (Sv Jakov) which symbolically represents the town of Sibenik. The construction of the cathedral lasted in total for 105 years; from 1431 until 1536.
Protected by UNESCO since 2000 (one of seven UNESCO sites in the Republic of Croatia), St Jacob is renowned for its construction methods and is a structure not only recognised for its significance in Croatian art history but also on a European level.
The frieze of 74 human heads is of particular interest, made by the peer of the cathedral's head architect Juraj Dalmatinac, positioned on the apse exteriors. It is believed that the actual heads were based on real people living in Sibenik during the time of construction.
Just of a bit of fun, the Dalmatian newspapers run stories from time to time comparing the faces' similarities to modern day Croatian celebrities and sports people!
The good news is that the best time to see these cultural and historic architectural gems in our beloved Sibenik is during autumn and winter, if you happen to have a spare week. We recommend that you also try and fit in a visit to Knin, at the very least.
Although the mornings and after dark the air is crisp we are often party to some lovely sunny days of 12 or 13 degrees Celsius, good enough to wear a T shirt. But be warned to bring layers of clothing including thermals, as you must be prepared in case of the famous Bura winds phenomena that blows very strong and icy cold - capable of dropping temperatures by 15 degrees Celsius in its presence.
This is actually an occurrence peculiar to Dalmatia and is a unique experience in itself. The day after a Bura will often be a lovely, still and sunny day and the locals are torn between cursing the chill and wind factor, and appreciating the cleansing effect it has on the towns and the sea. The sea temperature in winter averages at 12 degrees Celsius.
Web: http://holidaycroatia.blogspot.com/2010/11/medieval-fortifications-in-sibenik.html
View of the fortress Sv Ivan as seen from Sv Mihovil
A view of just one of many sections of the spectacular Knin fortress
Fortress of Sv Mihovil (St Michael), as viewed from Sv Ivan
The historic town centre of Sibenik, Sv Mihovil is visible as the highest point
View to Sv Mihovil from Subicevac
fortress of Subicevac
View from Subicevac, Sv Mihovil visible in the distance (top left)
View of the fortress Sv Ivan as seen from Sv Mihovil
One aspect of Sv Ivan (St John), more as follows
View of Sibenik from Sv Ivan
View of Sv Mihovil from Sv Ivan - Sv Nikola can be seen in the distance, at the canal entrance
Canal entrance, the only way to reach Sibenik by sea
Boat heading for the canal
This and following images are close-ups of Sv Nikola (St Nicholas), the sea-based fortification at Sibenik's entrance
Another aspect of Sv Nikola, more following
Cathedral of Sv Jakov
Detail of the human heads, exterior of Sv Jakov
Close-up detail of St Michael (Sv Mihovil) - the patron saint of Sibenik - as represented in stone on St Jacob (Sv Jakov) Cathedral. Always portrayed slaying the devil, St Michael symbolises victory and fearlessness and was selected by the early residents of Sibenik as their heavenly guardian for strength and protection. Nowadays, he is also the patron saint of the Croatian police force and army. The feast of St Michael is celebrated on September 29, and is an important day in Sibenik's calendar of festivals.
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