Nature
Šibenik is a tourist centre situated in an area of unique natural beauty. It arose in the naturally protected surroundings of the Šibenik Channel and because of the close proximity of two national parks, Krk and Kornati, it became a transit point for trips to the national parks and the surrounding islands. The most widely-dispersed group of islands in Europe are the Kornati Islands, and the travertine barriers of the Skradinski buk karst feature are known the world over for their beauty. The natural environment in this area harbours more than 860 plant species, some 10 endemic fish species and 18 endangered species of bat.
Culture
The city of Šibenik, closely tied to the development of the early Croatian state, is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Though always regarded as a city of labourers, it was due to its citizens the city cultural heritage has been recognised and preserved to this day. In the 15th and 16th centuries Šibenik was one of the most important Croatian centres of humanism and the Renaissance. |
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It was a focal point for writers, musicians, historians, artists and many sculptors and architects. Šibenik is a city famous as the hometown of top musicians and songwriters, a city of Klapa singing and folklore dances.
History
Beneath the fortress of St. Mihovil, which even today dominates the city's skyline, a town arose as an old Croatian "castrum" (fortress). Šibenik is first mentioned in 1066 in a document issued by the most important ruler of the Croatian state, King Petar Krešimir IV. In 1290it became a bishopric and received city status. After the 15th-century Croatian rulers, it came under the rule of Venice, which lasted almost 400 years. There is a rich heritage of monuments from this period, of which the most significant is the Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala Sv. Jakova). Like most Dalmatian towns, Šibenik continued to change hands over the centuries that followed. Austria, France and Italy all had their turn, until after the Second World War it was finally united with Croatia proper.
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