Šibenik, City: Facts, What to Eat, What To Buy, Tourist Attraction & Things to Do

Šibenik is a medieval city in Croatia, located in the heart of the Adriatic coast in the heart of Dalmatia. It is known for its medieval monuments, lush nature, stunning beaches and other attractions. It is also the seat of the oldest cathedral in the world – the Cathedral of Saint James.

This city has an abundance of unique facts, delicious local cuisine and a variety of shopping and attractions. Explore the city and discover why Šibenik is one of the most attractive destinations in Croatia.

Interesting Facts About Šibenik, City

1. Šibenik is home to the oldest Cathedral in Croatia. Cathedral of St. James was built from 1431 to 1536 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Šibenik’s castle of St. Michael was constructed in 1549 and is believed to have once protected the city from attack.

3. Šibenik is considered the unofficial capital of Dalmatia.

4. The city has produced some famous figures, such as Roman Pope, Ivan Pavao II and diplomat, Croatian politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Josip Broz Tito.

5. The Šibenik Tourist Board organizes a Festival of Čorki every year to celebrate the culture and heritage of Dalmatia.

6. Šibenik has some of the most beautiful islands, beaches and islands in Croatia.

7. With a population of 37,000, it is the largest town on the Adriatic between Zadar and Split.

8. The city is the birthplace of one of the seven wonders of the modern world – the Cathedral of St. James.

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What To Eat In Šibenik City

Šibenik is a beautiful coastal city in Croatia that offers a rich culinary scene influenced by Mediterranean flavors. When visiting Šibenik, you can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes showcasing fresh seafood, local ingredients, and traditional Croatian cuisine. Here are some foods to try in Šibenik:

1. Black Cuttlefish Risotto (Crni rižot): This iconic Croatian dish is a flavorful seafood risotto made with cuttlefish, squid ink, onions, garlic, and rice. The cuttlefish ink gives the dish its distinctive black color and rich taste.
2. Grilled Fish: As a coastal city, Šibenik offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Try grilled fish such as sea bass, sea bream, or mackerel. The fish is usually seasoned with local herbs, olive oil, and lemon, resulting in a simple and delicious dish.
3. Pašticada: Pašticada is a traditional Dalmatian meat dish. It consists of marinated beef stewed with red wine, onions, garlic, carrots, and various spices. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and served with homemade gnocchi or pasta.
4. Octopus Salad (Salata od Hobotnice): Octopus salad is a refreshing and light appetizer made with boiled octopus, potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s a popular dish in coastal regions and perfect for enjoying during warm summer days.
5. Šibenik’s Pršut: Pršut is a traditional Croatian dry-cured ham, similar to Italian prosciutto. Šibenik is known for its delicious pršut, which is air-dried and aged to perfection. Enjoy thin slices of pršut as an appetizer or pair it with local cheese and olives.
6. Fritule: Fritule are small doughnut-like pastries often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack. They are made with flour, eggs, sugar, raisins, and often flavored with lemon zest and brandy. Fritule are typically dusted with powdered sugar and served warm.
7. Croatian Wines: While not a specific food, Šibenik and its surrounding region produce excellent wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Croatian wines, such as Babić, Debit, and Plavina. Visit local wineries or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the city’s wine bars.

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What To Buy In Šibenik City For Souvenirs

1. Kornati Glass: This traditional glassware is hand-crafted in Šibenik and is a popular choice as a souvenir. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering something for every budget.

2. Crocheted Items: Šibenik is well-known for its masterful crochet work. Locals make gorgeous lacy tablecloths, blankets, and other items – perfect as a reminder of your trip to Šibenik.

3. Olive Oil: Šibenik is surrounded by olive groves, which produce some of the best olive oil in the world. Take home some of this local delicacy and use it in your favorite dishes for a memorable taste of Šibenik.

4. Šibenik Candles: These beeswax candles are produced in the city and are a great gift to bring home.

5. Local Artwork: Prints and paintings of local scenes, castles, and landmarks are a lovely gift to remember your time in Šibenik.

Best Tourist Attraction In Šibenik City

Šibenik is the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea and offers a wealth of historical attractions. Some of the best attractions include:

1. St. James Cathedral: UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral is the city’s best known landmark.

2. St Michael’s Fortress: Offering amazing views of the old town and the sea, St Michael’s Fortress is a must-visit and an important archaeological site.

3. St Nicholas Fortress: This fortress served as a home to many Croatian noble families through its century-old history.

4. The City Walls: Built in 15th century, the walls served as a defense against Turkish invasion and offers stunning views of the city.

5. Dalmatian Ethno Village: A recreation of a typical old Dalmatian village with traditional crafts, music, and games.

6. Krka National Park: Home to stunning waterfalls and amazing flora and fauna, Krka National Park is a nature lover’s paradise.

7. Vinerogie Museum: This museum is devoted to the history of the city’s wine culture and includes artifacts from the middle ages.

8. Solaris Beach Resort: With its beautiful beaches, a multitude of restaurants and entertainment options, Solaris Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax.

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What To Do In Šibenik City

1. Visit St. James’ Cathedral: Built between 1431 and 1536, this 15th-century cathedral is the most important historical monument in Šibenik and even features on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Explore its stunning architecture and the numerous works of art that it contains, including an impressive collection of Venetian art.

2. See Fort Nehaj: Head up to the top of the hill behind Šibenik and take in the spectacular views atop this medieval fort; this iconic symbol of Šibenik offers breathtaking views of the sea and Šibenik City.

3. Tour Krka National Park: Go and explore the national park located on the Krka River, just a few miles away from Šibenik. Here you can take in the stunning scenery with various waterfalls, explore nature trails, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the river!

4. Enjoy a festive evening at the Šibenik Town Square: Enjoy a night of summer festivities on the town square, the perfect place to enjoy some local snacks and drinks and watch street performers and partake in some entertaining outdoor activities.

5. Go shopping in the Old Town: Home to numerous boutique stores and shops, the old town of Šibenik is great for doing some shopping and picking up some special souvenirs to remember your visit by.

6. Try some seafood: With Šibenik’s location by the Adriatic Sea, the seafood here is some of the freshest and most delicious around. Make sure to try some of the local seafood specialties, such as octopus salad and mussels, in one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.

History & Information About Šibenik City

Šibenik is a Croatian city in the Adriatic Sea, and the centre of the Šibenik–Knin County. It is located on the central part of the Croatian coast, between Zadar and Split. Šibenik was a prominent city in the Kingdom of Croatia, being its capital between 1298-1322, and again from the 15th to the 17th centuries. In 16th century it was the largest city in the Republic of Venice.

The city’s economy traditionally centers on shipbuilding, tourism and fishing. There is a lively arts and cultural scene in the city, with many film festivals, exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year. It is also home to one of the oldest churches in Croatia, the Cathedral of St. James, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The population of the city according to the 2011 census was 31,566, making it the third most populous city in the country after Zagreb and Split. Its mayor is Željko Burić, who was elected in 2017. The city is linked to the rest of country by the A1 highway.

What is Šibenik City is Known For

Šibenik, Croatia, is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, as it is home to dramatic Adriatic Sea views, impressive fortifications, and centuries-old architecture. Additionally, Šibenik is known for being the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic Coast, and one of the few cities to remain mainly Croatian throughout its long and tumultuous history.

Šibenik is also well-known for its historic St. James Cathedral (see: Katedrala sv. Jakova), which is the first example of uninterrupted Renaissance architecture in the country.