Sibenic and the more well-known Dubrovnik are two Croatian towns which share many similarities in their history and yet are also very different.

Indeed they are quite contrasting. Though throughout history they have been ruled by the same peoples and prospered in the same eras they are nonetheless two most different towns on the Adriatic coast. While Dubrovnik is the product and consequence of urban planning, Sibenik is an organic development following the nature of the landscape.

The town of Sibenik was first created by Croat tribes in the 9th Century at one of the key positions at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea. Here the River Krka, the most beautiful river of all Croatia enters the sea. As a matter of fact, the port of Sibenik is built on raised ground in the Delta of the Krka.

From the 13th Century up to the 18th Century it was part of the Venetian Republic. For the next hundred years the area was dominated by the Austrian Empire, Then for 50 years it was part of Yugoslavia before finally becoming part of the state of Croatia. The traces of all this history are still visible to see.

The old town of Sibenik is the biggest historic town in Dalmatia. It is made of stone that gives it its unique character. Looking from a distance the town gives the impression that is is a sculpture made all in one piece. The old town is still very much thriving and lived in. It is full of narrow, colourful Meditteranean streets with squares, an open air market, cafe bars and galleries to explore in the summer months.

The most beautiful building in the town is the Cathedral of St.Jakob. It is protected by UNESCO. On the opposite side of the square is the Renaissance Town Hall that is said to be the most beautiful in all Dalmatia. On the top of the hill there is the fort of St. Michael, the saint protector of the town. From there it is possible to see most of Sibenik and its surrounding area – the surounding , the river, the bay and the archipelago facing the town. On a clear night it is possible to see the lights of Italy which are 180km across the sea