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Dalmatia Šibenik

How can one resist the attractive power of this region, in whose centre lies the architectural wealth that prompted UNESCO to state: “Yes, this is truly a treasure which must be appear on the list of world heritage.” And within which two national parks compete for their sheer beauty! The answer is quite simple: one should not even try, for it would be wasted effort.

If the Master builders Juraj Dalmatinac (also known as Georgius Dalmaticus) and Nikola Firentinac (who came from Florence) were still alive, they would undoubtedly be able to reveal the secret of their masterpiece in the medieval heart of Šibenik, the secret of the Cathedral of St. Jacob. This magnum opus has been delighting passers-by ever since it was built in the 15th century, religiously safeguarding the mystery of the stone slab construction of its arched roof. They also preserve the artistic enigmas of its Gothic Baptistery and the Renaissance series of portrait heads on the cathedral’s external frieze. This architectural wealth is watched over by the fortresses of St. Michael, St. John and Šubicevac from which the defenders of long ago kept guard over the city and the mouth of the River Krka. The sea in front of Šibenik was protected by the fortress of St. Nicholas.

Those who are inland bound, into the area of Prukljansko jezero (Prukljansko Lake) and onward through the deep river canyon, have already embarked upon an exciting adventure, known as the Krka National Park, which is reached by following one of the most wondrous rivers of the Croatian krš, or karst. Rushing on its journey towards the sea the River Krka forms numerous lakes and meres, waterfalls and rapids, and once witnessed they remain in one’s memory for ever. How else could it be, bearing in mind the splendour of the Roški slap and Skradinski buk waterfalls, the islet of Visovac on which a hushed and tranquil Franciscan monastery has for centuries served to combine man, water and sky in a harmony of peace. And if one also decides to visit the Ivan Meštrovic mausoleum in Otavice, and then seeks nourishment in local dishes prepared under a peka (domed ceramic or iron cover placed over food laid on a stone slab, and covered with live coals), well...

Awaiting guests returning to the sea are locations such as Vodice, Rogoznica, Primošten, Pirovac, Tisno, Murter, Betina, Tribunj, Jezera and other coastal and island towns and villages, as well as more than 350 isle and reefs. With their pebble beaches, pinewoods, ancient vineyards and olive groves; with klapa (singing groups), fi shermen’s fi estas and donkey races, Babic – a delectable red wine, the coral hunters of Zlarin, sponge hunters of Krapanj... And what about the Kornati? This national park comprising the most numerous and the most richly indented archipelago of the Mediterranean is an encounter with a fascinating game played by sea and stone. Were there any rules for the vivacity of the natural elements? If there were, the Creator did not devise them in order to impose any restrictions. And He was right, again.

croatia-small-hotels.com 2008