Activities in Šibenik
Šibenik
Explore the winding streets and hidden alleyways of Šibenik, where ancient history and modern-day charm collide
Explore Activities in Šibenik
- 8h 15 min
- Easy
- 0+ years
27 €
- 9 hours
- Easy / Moderate
- 0+ years
70 €
The Story of Šibenik
History
A king first wrote about Šibenik in 1066, and of course he named the city after himself. To be fair, we would all probably do the same if we had the chance. This king was King Petar Krešimir IV and the original name was Krešimir town. Šibenik was the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. The city started developing from the settlement at the base of St. Michael’s Fortress on a steep cliff above the city and received city status in 1169.
In 1412, like the rest of the surrounding areas, Šibenik came under the rule of Venice. They tried and built fortification systems to defend against Ottoman attacks, with the greatest Ottoman attack on Šibenik occurring in 1647. Then just as they relaxed a bit, and focused on the fishing – boom – a plague in the mid-16th century. That ruined the overall enthusiasm for a bit. The once thriving city, which had a population of around ten thousand, saw a drastic decline as the disease claimed the lives of many residents. The result was a population reduction to just one and a half thousand, drastically altering the city’s path of development.
Fleeing from the Turkish attacks, the Franciscans of the Province of Bosnia and Herzegovina leave the island Visovac came to Šibenik in 1648 on the advice of the general providor Leonardo Foscolo. Their original idea was to settle on the island of Ţirje or in Skradin, but due to the plague who ruled the city at that time decided to stay and help the population.
One of the most famous buildings in Šibenik is the Cathedral of St. James, which was built over several centuries, starting in the 15th century. Legend has it that the cathedral’s architect, Juraj Dalmatinac, made a deal with the devil to complete the building on time. In exchange for finishing the project by a certain date, the devil demanded the soul of the first person to enter the cathedral. However, the wily architect tricked the devil by sending a rooster inside the cathedral first, thus fulfilling the terms of the contract without sacrificing a human soul.
Habsburg Monarchy showed up and took over from 1797 to the end of World War I, and then Italy wanted a go until 1921. After, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes annexed the city. Then the Italians wanted to have another go at it so Šibenik was occupied by the Italians in 1941, but again taken over by the NDH-Independent State of Croatia during World War II, with the Allies bombing the city and destroying the City Hall.
In 1895, Šibenik was the first town in the world to benefit from electric lighting! The The huge Jaruga power plant was built over the course of more than a year beginning in 1894. The Jaruga plant provided Šibenik with enough electricity to run 340 street lights.
During socialist Yugoslavia, new factories and plants were established in the city, leading to a flourishing economy. After the Croatian war for independence in the 90s, the city shifted towards tourism and is now one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia. You can see why with Dalmatia Outdoors!
Gastronomy
Šibenik, Croatia is known for its rich gastronomic tradition and is a must-visit destination for food lovers. The city is famous for its local specialties, which are based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Some popular dishes to try in Šibenik include:
Pašticada – a slow-cooked beef stew with a sweet and sour sauce, often served with gnocchi or polenta. Dalmatian Peka – a traditional dish of meat, vegetables, and spices baked in a bell-shaped dome in a wood-fired oven. Grilled Fish – fresh seafood caught in the Adriatic is a staple in Šibenik and is often grilled over an open flame and served with fresh vegetables and local olive oil.
Šibenik is known for its high-quality olive oil, which is used in many of the city’s traditional dishes. Visitors can taste the oil and purchase bottles at local markets or specialty shops. Visitors to Šibenik should also try the local wines, including Dingac, Postup, and Plavac Mali, which are made from indigenous grape varieties and pair well with the local cuisine. With its rich culinary traditions, Šibenik is sure to delight food lovers with its delicious and authentic offerings.
Nature
Šibenik, Croatia is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The city is located on the Adriatic coast and is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the sea and lush green hills. Some of the most popular natural attractions in the area include:
Krka National Park is a protected area famous for its stunning waterfalls, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife, and Kornati National Park is a group of islands known for their rugged landscapes, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. You can enjoy a visit to Vrana Lake – a large freshwater lake surrounded by natural parks and forests, and popular for fishing, bird-watching, and water sports.
Telascica Nature Park – a protected area on the island of Dugi Otok, known for its unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse flora and fauna. For a stunning view, visit St. Michael’s Fortress – a hilltop fortress overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the sea.
Visitors to Šibenik can enjoy the natural beauty of the area through a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. With its diverse landscapes and stunning scenery, Šibenik is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.