Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik is a beautiful city located in central Croatia, at the picturesque mouth of the Krka River as it flows into the Adriatic Sea. While it may not be as famous as coastal giants like Zadar or Split, it boasts a remarkably well-preserved old town with several stunning buildings that stand out, such as the magnificent Cathedral of St. Jacob, the elegant town hall, and the commanding fortress of St. Michael. It's definitely worth a visit, offering an authentic and rich historical experience, especially if you are exploring the Dalmatian coast.
This historic city is a popular gateway to the natural wonders of the Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands, making it a perfect base for nature lovers and adventurers. Its unique blend of medieval heritage and stunning seaside location offers a compelling reason to discover its hidden gems.
Parking in Šibenik
It is worth driving practically to the old town and leaving the car in the Poljana parking lot (1; GPS: 43.7349335, 15.8932534). It is a newly built underground parking lot with three floors and 256 spaces, offering modern facilities. It is well lit and modern, providing a secure place to leave your vehicle.
Its only drawback is that the air ducts are probably not well designed - it's just too warm there, and the air conditioners turn on every now and then, but it doesn't help much. However, since we are not going to spend the whole day in the parking lot, this is not a big problem for us. This convenient and modern parking solution allows you to step directly into the heart of the old town, saving you from a long walk.
Other parking lots in the town include a parking near the port (2; GPS: 43.7311971, 15.8962562) and the parking on the waterfront (3; GPS: 43.7298760, 15.8956747), as well as a small Mulo Krke parking lot (4; GPS: 43.7331389, 15.8913535). These alternatives provide options depending on your preferred starting point and the availability of spaces, especially during the busy summer season.
Entrance to the old town
Since we parked in the Poljana parking lot, we are literally two steps away from the old town. We leave the underground parking straight to the central Poljana square, a bustling hub of modern city life. Next to it there is the sleek, modern building of the municipal library "Juraj Šižgorić", which provides a striking contrast to the historical architecture you are about to see.
We enter the old town on the small square Trg kralja Držislava, where we immediately stopped for an espresso at the charming Valeria cafe. This is a great way to start your tour and soak in the atmosphere. Then we walk the narrow street Jurja Šižgorić towards the first significant monument, the beautiful church of St. Francis, setting the tone for the journey through Šibenik's rich history.
Church of St. Francis
The church of St. Francis (A; GPS: 43.7338511, 15.8919617) has a Gothic origin, but was beautifully rebuilt in the Baroque style. The interior of the church is very impressive, especially due to the wooden ceiling, which is a remarkable work of art from the 16th century. The church belongs to the Franciscan monastery, which has been a center of spiritual and cultural life for centuries.
The courtyard of the church is very beautiful, surrounded by white, stone buildings, and serves as a peaceful haven. It houses, among others, a library with many valuable manuscripts, reflecting the long tradition of scholarship in the monastery. The serene atmosphere of the cloister makes it a perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Town hall
We walk the Zagrebačka street, then Don Krste Stošića street and Andrije Kačića Miošića street towards the Town Hall and the Cathedral of St. Jacob. All the buildings and even the sidewalks are made of white stone. This is typical of Dalmatian towns, giving them their characteristic bright and elegant appearance. Some streets are so narrow that it is difficult for two people to pass each other, creating an intimate and charming ambiance.
We really like to walk around such an old town - especially on a hot day there is a shade and a cooler breeze. We reach the Andrije Medulić stairs and go down to the Square of the Republic of Croatia (B; GPS: 43.7357408, 15.8892903), the central hub of the old town, where the town hall and the cathedral are located. The building of the Renaissance town hall from the first half of the 16th century is very beautiful - it has elegant arcades and a glass front. It is considered one of the most beautiful town halls in Croatia. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed during World War II, but was then meticulously rebuilt to its former glory, standing today as a symbol of the city's resilience.
Cathedral of St. Jacob
Cathedral of St. James is a stunning three-nave basilica with three apses and a 32-meter-high dome. It is the most important monument of Renaissance architecture in Croatia, a true architectural masterpiece. The building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List (since 2000), celebrated for its unique construction entirely from stone, without the use of mortar or other binding materials.
Entrance to the cathedral is paid (the price of 40 HRK may seem quite high, but if someone is interested in such monuments, they should definitely go inside). In our opinion, the interior of the cathedral is quite simple - that is, compared to the corresponding monuments from Italy or France. However, the baptistry deserves special attention - its lacy ceiling is an amazing, intricate and delightful work of art and even for this reason the cathedral is worth visiting. Its stunning stone carvings are truly breathtaking.
Another remarkable feature is the exterior frieze of 71 sculpted heads, a gallery of real citizens of Šibenik from the 15th century. This unprecedented feature makes the cathedral not just a religious monument but also a powerful social and artistic statement, capturing the faces of the people who inhabited the city during its construction.
Fortress of St. Michael
If you like climbing and spectacular views, we invite you to visit the fortress of St. Michael (C; GPS: 43.7373201, 15.8894103) - a medieval defensive structure located at the very top of the hill, which can be seen from virtually anywhere in the area. This real monument is truly worth visiting. The views from there are truly spectacular, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the city, the sea, and the bay.
In summer, open-air events and concerts are occasionally held here, utilizing the fortress as a magnificent stage. There is also a museum and several viewpoints. There is a fee to enter the fortress (50 HRK per adult, 30 HRK per child), but the experience and the historical context are well worth the price. The fortress is a testament to Šibenik's strategic importance throughout its history.
Medieval monastery garden
To reach the fortress, we go back up the stairs we took down to the cathedral. Then we go up all the time passing a beautiful oasis of peace (D; GPS: 43.7362357, 15.8898156) - the medieval Mediterranean monastery garden of St. Lawrence. This hidden gem is a beautifully reconstructed historical garden, a rare sight in Dalmatia, designed as a classic medieval hortus conclusus.
It's worth going there and sitting in peace for a while to enjoy the fragrant herbs, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. There is also a cafe, restaurant and gift shop at the visitors' disposal, making it a perfect spot for a tranquil break during your exploration of the old town.
The Šibenik bridge over the Krka River
The bridge in Šibenik (Šibenski most) (F; GPS: 43.7627147, 15.8486962) is a very interesting structure built in 1964-1966 over the final section of the Krka River. It is a striking arch bridge that allows access to Šibenik from the west (the so-called Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) runs through it). The span of the arch of the bridge is 246 m. During the civil war in 1991, the bridge was hit by several shells, which, however, did not cause much damage.
On both sides of the bridge there are large, free parking lots where you can park the car and then walk across the bridge or approach the fence and enjoy the beautiful views of the bay and the town of Šibenik. This year there was also a stand where you could drink cold drinks, coffee, wine, and buy fresh oysters or mussels. Bungee jumping is also organized on the bridge for those seeking an adrenaline rush, making it a destination not just for sightseeing but also for adventure.
Šibenik's Gastronomy
Šibenik’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Mediterranean tradition and Balkan influences. It's built on fresh, local ingredients, simple preparation, and authentic flavors that truly capture the essence of Dalmatian cuisine. As a key port city, its gastronomy is heavily centered around the sea.
When you are in Šibenik, you must try the local specialties. The seafood is a must-have, with fresh fish, mussels, oysters, and other delicacies prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling to simmering in aromatic stews. Another culinary icon of the region is Skradinski rižot, a famous risotto from Skradin that is slow-cooked for many hours. For meat lovers, Pašticada, a slow-braised beef dish in a rich sauce served with gnocchi, is a classic. You can also sample regional delicacies like Drniški pršut (cured ham from Drniš) and local cheeses, which are renowned for their exceptional flavor and aroma. Don't forget to pair your meal with the region's excellent wines, particularly the red wine Babić from nearby Primošten. For dessert, look for traditional sweets like Skradinska torta, fritule, and rožata.
You’ll find numerous restaurants and konobas (traditional taverns) throughout the city, each offering a chance to discover the rich flavors of this coastal region. Be sure to explore beyond the main tourist areas to find hidden gems serving up authentic dishes.
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