SIBENIK

Šibenik, the oldest native Croatian city on the eastern Adriatic coast and the seat of the Croatian King Kresimir IV for a certain period of time, was first mentioned in 1066, however, excavations of the St.Michael castle show that it had been inhabited long before the arrival of Croats. Through the history, Venice, Byzantium and Hungary ruled over it an left their marks in the architecture and cuisine of the city. St.James’s Catherdral, which is protected under UNESCO and was built by both Croatian and Italian masters for over a hunderd years, is a perfect example thereof. The four fortifications adorning the town witness to its turbulent history. Being a Mediterranean town, it charms everyone with its rich history, widely praised cuisine and stone-paved narrow streets that lead to historical squares, monuments and churches. It is the hometown to many renowned people, such as Faust Vrančić, a Croatian historian, linguist, inventor, diplomat, engineer, humanist and bishop probably best known for his parachute and five-language dictionary (http://www.mc-faustvrancic.com/en/); Juraj Šižgorić, a well-known and influential humanist and poet in the 15th century; Nikola Tommaseo, the best educated European in the 19th century; Ante Šupuk, the constructor of the first Croatian hydro-electric power plant; Ivan Meštrović, a world renowned sculptor and architect; Petar Nakić, the leading organ maker in the 18th-century Europe, Petar Guberina (1913 – 2005) the inventor of SUVAG, the system which enabled the millions of deaf people to communicate; and Dražen Petrović, a late professional basketball player, a European and NBA star still admired by many around the globe for his talent and strong will and persistence.

Situated in central Dalmatia, Šibenik is the administrative, political, economic, social and cultural centre of the Sibenik-Knin County. Its archipelago consists of 285 islands, islets and reefs scattered on the crystal blue sea, most famous of which are the National Park Kornati with its picturesque coves and clean sea and unique pristine nature. Another nature’s beauty is National Park Krka, which attracts tourists with its beautiful travertine waterfalls and national customs presented there.

For more information and tips on what to see, follow the link: http://www.sibenik-tourism.hr/en

SKRADIN

Skradin was the capital of the Roman region Liburnia after Roman conquest in 33 BC (under the name Scardona). A diocese was founded there in the 6th century, and after the arrival of Croats, it became the seat of bishops. Throughout history it was a seat of many rulers, such as the Turks, the Venetians, the French or the Austrians, while the most famous of the Croatian rulers were the Subic-Zrinski counts from Bribir. Charmingly small, Skradin is the entrance point to National park Krka. A festival of Dalmatian songs, sung a capella by indigenous “klapas“ , takes place annually at the beginning of August.

For more information, follow the link: http://www.skradin.hr/en/