Though still gritty around the edges, Šibenik is seriously up-and-coming. It has exciting sights, new restaurants and bars are opening every year, and the city is abuzz with energy. Šibenik’s real appeal, however, has actually not changed for centuries – its magnificent medieval quarter, consisting of a stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys, ancient chapels and a stunning cathedral are a joy to explore.
The city is also an important access point for the national park of Krka, the Kornati Islands and the bird-of-prey centre of Sokolarski.
History
Unlike many other Dalmatian coastal communities, Šibenik was first settled by Croat tribes, not Illyrians or Romans.
First mentioned in the history books in the 11th century by the Croatian king Krešimir IV, the city was conquered by Venice in 1116, but was tossed around between Venice, Hungary, Byzantium and the Kingdom of Bosnia until Venice seized control in 1412. Ottomans periodically attacked the town, disrupting trade and agriculture in the 16th and 17th centuries. Venetian control was usurped in 1797 by Austrian rule, which continued until 1918.
Šibenik fell under attack in 1991 from Yugoslav federal forces, and was subject to shelling until its liberation as part of ‘Operation Storm’ by the Croatian army in 1995. Little physical damage is evident, but the city’s aluminium industry was shattered. However Šibenik has started to make a serious comeback in the past few years, and tourism is becoming a vital part of the economy.
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