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Šibenik

Šibenik has a magnificent medieval heart, gleaming white against the placid waters of the bay, something that may not be immediately apparent as you drive through the somewhat shabby outskirts. The stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys is a joy to explore. Šibenik is also an important access point for Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Šibenik.

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St James' Cathedral
The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage Site is worth a detour to see. It was constructed entirely of stone quarried from the islands of Brač, Korčula, Rab and Krk, and is reputed to be the world’s largest church built completely of stone without brick or wooden supports. The structure is also unique in that the interior shape corresponds exactly to the exterior.
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St Francis' Church
The Franciscan monastery's mammoth church dates from the end of the 14th century. It has fine frescoes and an array of Venetian baroque paintings, but the highlight is the painted wooden ceiling, dating from 1674. It's the principal shrine of St Nikola Tavilić, a Franciscan missionary who became the first Croatian saint when he was martyred in Jerusalem in 1391. In the adjacent courtyard you'll find an exhibition on the church's history.
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St Michael's Fortress
Clamber up to the battlements of this large medieval fort for magnificent views – particularly impressive at sunset – over Šibenik, the Krk River and the Adriatic islands. Parts of the fortress date to the 13th century, but the surviving shell has been shored up with a polished-concrete understructure and converted into a summer stage.
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Šibenik City Museum
Housed in the 17th-century Rector’s Palace, this well-curated museum focuses on the city and its surrounds. The permanent collection of artefacts dating from prehistory to the end of the Venetian period is split into four clear periods. There are English translations throughout and the odd bit of video to spice things up.
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Medieval Monastery Mediterranean Garden
Designed and completed by award-winning landscape artist Dragutin Kiš, this tiny recreated medieval garden has a formal layout, with herbs and medicinal plants in neat borders between pathways in the shape of a cross. The attached cafe is a pleasant place to stop for an ice-cream sundae or coffee and cake before you continue your ascent to the fortress.
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Victory Museum
Also known as the Museum of Victory and Liberation of Dalmatia, this well-presented archive documents the antifascist struggle in Dalmatia. Opened in 2016, and the first museum of its kind in Croatia, its focus is on WWII, with multimedia and photographic exhibits in Croatian and English and some interesting historical footage.
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St John's Church
Dating from the end of the 15th century, this church is a fine example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, but sadly the interior has mouldering paintwork and a rather unloved feel. It's officially closed to visitors, but you can peek in when the door is open.
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Aquarium Terrarium Šibenik
A useful rainy-day diversion for the kids, this little aquarium has a display of local and tropical fish, along with crabs, lobsters, rays, small sharks and the odd (very odd…) octopus.