After my successful visit to Omis, I wanted to explore what other day trips I could do from Split, especially as the busy season is about to start and the volume of tourists has increased at least 25% since I arrived on April 11. It was only 20 euro to visit Sibenik and even though I’ve had a lifetime’s exposure to sandstone buildings and cobblestone streets, I had heard the journey to Sibenik was stunning.
I boarded an Arriva bus and we soon passed Mall of Split and headed in the same direction as Trogir. This time, we stopped at the modern side of the town, which is only a block or two from the old town. There is a massive farmer’s market and I spied piles of oranges everywhere, which is probably why most cafes also have a fresh orange juice machine.
About half the bus exited, and we started to climb into the mountains. I saw a variety of evergreens, grasses and scrub which reminded me of rural Greece. Unlike Split, with its communist era functional but ugly apartments, the neighborhoods scattered between Trogir and Sibenik were sleek and modern and most sported a carport where grapevines were being trained to provide shelter from the heat. Hamlets led way to various islands spotting the Adriatic sea, most uninhabited, as well as numerous white sandy beaches and small boat harbors.
From the highway, Sibenik presents as a modern, smaller version of Split and we passed multiple Tommy Hipermarkets as well as a mall with all the standard shops. A little further and we arrived at the center of town and the main bus station. The old town is literally just around the corner. Unfortunately, we were almost 45 minutes late due to road construction, so my two hours of sightseeing was cut in half before I even left the bus.
Sibenek Promenade on the way to Old Town
I power walked to the cannon doorway, which Google had said was a good entry point to the Cathedral of St. James, which is the main attraction. At the top of the steps, there was a small belltower with little rooms attached. I’m guessing this may have been housing for the priests and nuns who served the cathedral in the middle ages but there wasn’t a sign to confirm.
If you prefer, you can walk a little farther down the harbor promenade and reach St James’ Cathedral by steps.
Across from the Cathedral is a statue of St.Michael, who repeats on the cathedral itself.
2025 is a designated special year for the cathedral, when the faithful can participate in indulgences and pilgrimages are encouraged.
The nun pictured was about to turn the corner and chastise two small boys who were playing soccer and using an ancient arch as the goal.
As has also been the case with other buildings, this bears an inscription. I marvel each time at how intricately the soft sandstone is carved.
From the side, the cathedral dominates this small courtyard and I could imagine how full it must have gotten during holidays and feast days, when everyone nearby attended mass.
The cathedral courtyard was the only one not full of coffee drinkers.
There were many layers of streets above the cathedral but I couldn’t risk missing the bus back.
Just as I was about to enter the bus station to return to Split, all the cars to the right of me starting honking. It turned out to be a small wedding procession, complete with a Croatian flag and a band of string instruments, similar to mariachis.
I wished the new couple a long and happy life together and jumped back on the bus for a beautiful ride home.
Wow beautiful pictures. I haven’t seen a nun in a long time. The people have really tan skin.