Next up was Sibenik, Šibenik, Croatia. Another of the picturesque seaside towns along the coast of Croatia. Sibenik is also one of the ports that we would be revisiting on our return leg to Venice.
Sibenik is a town of around 30k inhabitants that was founded by Slavs and not the Greeks or Romans. To get to Sibenik from the Adriatic Sea you need to sail through Saint Anthony’s Channel which is narrow enough that it has traffic lights for the larger vessels.
The Tour
I went with another of the ships tours, this one included a cruise through Saint Anthony’s Channel out to Saint Nicholas’ Fort, where we would get to explore the place.
Scenic Cruise and the UNESCO Sights of Sibenik
Prepare for a day along the Saint Anthony Channel, beginning at the picturesque Sibenik waterfront. A charming half-hour cruise awaits, guiding you through the historic and natural wonders that define the Channel of St. Anthony. Marvel at the seamless blend of history and nature while your expert guide narrates the significance of the landscape. The highlight of the excursion is the legendary Saint Nicholas' Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017. Explore its unique architectural marvels on a guided tour, followed by leisure time for personal discovery. Opened to visitors since mid-June 2019, the fortress offers a glimpse into the Defence System of the Republic of Venice from the 16th and 17th centuries. Returning to Sibenik, immerse yourself in a walking tour through the enchanting Old Town. Discover the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a sublime sacral monument in Dalmatia, alongside historic landmarks like the City Hall and Baroque Orthodox Church. Meander through the stone streets, encountering the vibrant commercial and crafts centre that forms the heart of this charming town. Joun us for a day of history, architecture, and natural beauty on this unforgettable journey.
Saint Nicholas’ Fortress
Saint Nicholas’ Fortress was built by the Venentians between the 16th and 17th centuries and was built on the island of Ljuljevac.
It is a part of a network of 4 fortresses that were built to protect Sibenik, the other 3 were built on the heights above the Old Town.
In 2017 Saint Nicholas’ Fortress was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.
The fortress was named after the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Nicholas, the monastery itself was demolished to make way for the fortress. It is recognised as one of the best preserved examples of Venetian defence architecture in Dalmatia. Since it was built it has been used by a number of militaries over the years though never tested in battle.
Prior to the fortress being added to the UNESCO list it was used by the locals for music festivals and raves. To get on the list they had to agree to find somewhere else to hold them.
I did look to see if there were any facilities for reindeer, couldn’t find them.
World War 2
In World War 2 Sibenik was used by the Germans as a port, they dug a tunnel into the cliffs of Saint Anthony’s Channel that they used as a bomb shelter during air raids for their smaller boats, not sure a submarine could have hidden there.
Submarine Net
They also streamed an anti-submarine net between Saint Nicholas’ Fort ant the mainland.
Not the greatest photos, but the one on the left is where I believe that they anchored the net within the port. The small bollard in the right photo is where it was anchored on the shore. Not sure where the gearing / winch that used to retrieve the net to let vessels in and out was housed, possibly on the shore side, more space.
Military Base
The base that was built by the Germans on the Adriatic Sea side of the channel is now a holiday camp. Looks like a nice spot to camp.
Return to Sibenik
Time to head back into port after a very enjoyable visit to well preserved man made land mark. It was definitely a nice day for a cruise.
Sibenik, Šibenik
Once back in Sibenik our tour continued in the Old Town, which is combo on new and old.
Water Clock
One of the first points of interest, well at least for me, was the Water Clock.
Not sure why I did not take a full minute of video… I think that this is pretty cool. Also forgot to check how accurate it was.
The Streets of the Old Town of Sibenik
The Old Town of Sibenik is an easy place wander around, lots of histroy and what looked like good places to eat… Next time!
Dog Bowl
Whilst wandering around Sibenik our guide pointed out this dog bowl.
There are a number of them around the Old Town and are to say thanks to dogs and cats for being there for the people of Sibenik.
Cathedral of Saint James
One of the must visit places in Sibenik is the Cathedral of Saint James. The Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
According to Wikipedia it is the most significant Renaissance architectural monument in Croatia. The building of the Cathedral started in the early 1400’s and finished early in the 1500’s.
Cathedral Doors
These doors to the Cathedral of Saint James are pock marked by shrapnel from when the Cathedral was bombed as a part of the Battle of Šibenik during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991.
Cathedral Dome
The bombing also destroyed the 32m high dome. When the war ended it was decided to restore the Cathedral to its previous glory.
The challenge was how to re-build the dome using the same architectural principles originally used. No one had the skills when they started, so they had to relearn skills lost over the centuries. The dome was apparently built using a technique similar to lego, and its strength comes from the concentric rings used to create the dome shape.
Sibenik Bridge
Sibenik, Šibenik
Definitely a place to add to the list if you are visiting Croatia. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites in such close proximity is one reason to visit.
Another is the sunset.
Next up is Split, Croatia.
Itinerary
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