Plan your Travels to Sinj
Located in the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland, within a 40-minute driving distance north of Split, Sinj is an agricultural center that lies between four scenic mountains: Svilaja, Dinara, Kamešnica, and Visoka. Sinj has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and aside from boasting a range of monuments, and historic buildings, Sinj plays host to the iconic Sinjska Alka, a traditional knight tournament that happens during the summer, and was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage, in 2010.
There is no doubt whether travelers should visit Sinj or not — it’s a definite yes. The city is especially great for a day trip to Croatia, and there are a lot of tourist attractions and amazing activities in Sinj for a culture-filled trip. And if you get the chance to be in Sinj during the Sinjska Alka tournament, make sure to marvel at the majestic horses galloping the city street while passionate riders dressed in traditional costumes aim their lances at a hanging metal ring.
Trip to Sinj FAQs
When to visit Sinj
Worried about tourists flocking or closing hours of Sinj while planning your trip? The best time to visit Sinj would be a time when you can completely soak in the experience and not worry about such hassles. Sinj has a sub-Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summer days, and cold winters. So, for the ideal climate, visit the city between March and July. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant, which allows travelers to indulge in a range of outdoor activities and uncover the top attractions in Sinj. August is the hottest month, which can be overwhelming for some travelers. But bear in mind that the Sinjska Alka tournament happens during this month, so if you want to watch it, you’ll have to endure the warmer weather.
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Matilda Your Croatia Expert
What are the essential sights to see in Sinj?
Watching The Sinjska Alka, in Sinj
This is, undoubtedly, one of the top activities in Sinj. The Sinjska Alka is an equestrian competition held in Sinj every first Sunday in August, since 1715. The tournament was established to celebrate the Croatian-Venetian victory over 60,000 Ottoman soldiers on August 1715.
Witnessed every year by thousands of spectators, the Alka gathers between 11 to 17 Alkar (the knights) that ride their horses at full speed towards the Alka, a ring that consists of two concentric iron circles joined by three bars. The goal? To target the inside circle of the ring with a 3-meter-long pointy spare while riding the horse. The knights are awarded points according to which sector of the ring they are able to pierce: the central circle, which is the smallest one, is worth three points, the upper field two points, and the two lower fields one point each.
The Alka of Sinj Museum
After the story about the Uskoks the story leads us to the town of Sinj, the home of the brave knights where famous knight tournaments have been held every year since the beginning of the 18th century. You’ll find out more about it during our visit to the Museum of Alka in Sinj.
The Museum of the Cetinska Krajina Region
Sinj is the central place of research and presentation of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Sinj and the Cetinska Krajina region. It was founded on July 7, 1956. Ever since its foundation, the Museum has been housed in the same building, the monument building Palacina, which is a part of the historic complex with a small nearby fortress Kamičak.
Church Of The Miraculous Lady Of Sinj
Church Of The Miraculous Lady Of Sinj is a magnificent work of religious architecture and one of the largest Marian shrines in Croatia. Inside the church is a painting of Our Lady, a most precious art treasure, brought by the faithful from Rama who were running from the Ottoman Turks. The painting is highlighted by a golden crown given to the Lady by Sinj defenders as a sign of gratitude. On the feast of the Assumption, August 15th, pilgrims arrive to participate in the solemn Eucharistic celebration and the procession, carrying Our Lady’s image.
Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery is an archaeological collection that is kept in the monastery is one of the oldest and most valuable collections in Croatia.
Stari Grad (Old Town)
A fortress that protected the people of Sinj against enemy invasions; today it is a beautiful vantage point with its votive church. A path that leads from the foot of the church towards the fortress contains 14 Stations of the Cross, and each station is the work of one of the most famous Croatian artists.
