Šibenik Croatia is the new hot weekend break
21.07.2023 - 07:57
/ roughguides.com
Sibenik Croatia is the next tourist hotspot. And it's thanks to a new luxury hotel. Richard Mellor explores the city. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Faust Vrančić was born in Šibenik. He invented the parachute. And that seems appropriate for this Croatian city. Because Šibenik has its feet firmly on the ground.
Where is Šibenik Croatia? It's only 40 minutes north of Split on the Dalmatian coast. The beaches are great. It has good inland hiking and lovely waterfalls. It's also known for cool music festivals and restaurants. Plus the old town contains a World Heritage cathedral. And its local fortresses appeared in Game of Thrones.
But a lack of good accommodation has long let Šibenik down. Now D-Resort Šibenik is changing all that. And it's exactly the exceptional hotel Šibenik Croatia deserves.
To one side is a super-yacht stuffed new marina… At the other side, motorboats sail to Šibenik’s harbour. A treelined corniche trims the waterfront. Glinting red roofs sprawl uphill. And ancient St Michael’s Fortress watches the city from above.
St Michael’s is one of four Šibenik fortresses. It was once a seat for the Croatian king. And more recently provided shelter during the Croatian War of Independence. Today, an ongoing restoration programme attracts tourists instead.
Head southeast to visit Barone Fortress. Here an audio-visual display reveals the life of 17th century soldiers.
Opposite is St John Fortress, a Game of Thrones set in 2014.
And to the west, is St Nicholas sea castle. It was built by Venetians to guard the channel into Šibenik. Take the castle's island-hopping path. Raised above the sea, it offers impressive Adriatic views.
As for St Michael’s, bands have replaced bullets here. And the 11th century walls now house a 1077-capacity venue. This restoration project cost £1.2 million. And to date the venue's hosted bands like The National, Lambchop and Nouvelle Vague. And it's also popular during August's Terraneo Summer Break Festival.
St John Fortress dominates the skyline of Sibenik Croatia © Cico/Shutterstock
Šibenik’s true gem is 15th century St James’s Cathedral. Now a World Heritage site it was designed by Juraj Dalmatinac. Dalmanatinac was responsible for much of the Dalmatian Coast’s finest architecture. However, St James's is considered his masterpiece. Entirely-stone-built in Gothic Renaissance style the cathedral was completed in 1536.
Look out for the stunning silvery dome. And don't miss the 71-head frieze containing caricatures of 15th century locals. Adam and Eve are in there too, self-consciously naked.
Want to do a self-guided tour? English-language brochures are available.. The highlight's a small