Šibenik – City of the Cathedral and Fortresses
Just 11 km south of Vodice lies Šibenik, one of the most beautiful Dalmatian cities with a UNESCO cathedral, four fortresses and a vibrant old town.
Šibenik is a unique Mediterranean city — the only larger town on the Adriatic coast that was not founded from a Roman or Greek settlement but has purely Croatian medieval origins. Today it is best known for the Cathedral of St. James, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cathedral of St. James
Construction of the cathedral lasted nearly a hundred years (1431–1536) and was the work of great Renaissance architects, primarily Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac. The cathedral is characterised by 71 portrait heads on the outer cornices of the apses — believed to portray contemporaries of the builders. The interior surprises with elegant simplicity.
Four Fortresses
St. Michael's Fortress (12th c.) — dominates above the old town with panoramic views
St. John's Fortress (16th c.) — the best-preserved Venetian fortress in Dalmatia
Šubićevac Fortress (17th c.) — protector of the upper part of town
St. Nicholas' Fortress (UNESCO) — guardian of the Šibenik Channel entrance, accessible by boat
Practical Information
Šibenik is 11 km from Vodice. You can get there by bus in about 20 minutes from the Vodice bus stop. We recommend combining St. Michael's Fortress in the morning with the cathedral and lunch in the old town. The old town is car-free and easy to walk. Entry to the fortresses is charged but the views are worth every cent.