Things to do in Skradin on the Dalmatian coast

by croatiaweek
May 12, 2019
in Travel

Situated around 100 km from the Dalmatian city of Split, and at the entrance of the popular Krka National Park, is the small town of Skradin.

The small Mediterranean town, with its charming narrow paved streets and passages, rich history, stunning scenery, and quality cuisine and wine, is another one of Croatia’s little gems.

The surroundings of Skradin have been inhabited since the Neolithic period – the oldest settlement dates from the year 3500 B.C. The first data about the town of Skradin dates from the year 33 B.C.

Skradin

It is not hard to see why Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates named it his favorite vacation place in Forbes magazine.

Here are some things to check out in Skradin.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s natural jewels. The main attraction of the park, Slapovi Krke, is a series of waterfalls, the biggest of which, Skradinski buk, was named after Skradin. You can also check out Visovac monastery.

The Medieval Fortress of Turina

The Medieval Fortress of Turina was constructed during the government of the Croatian governor Pavao Šubić (1273 – 1312) on the site of an ancient city from the Liburnian period. Take a walk to the hill and enjoy the view.

Baroque Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This Church was built in the 18th century and it is resting on the base from the old cathedral, which was destroyed by the Turks. The church has a very valuable musical instrument. Pipe organ from the 18th century, which is part of the national cultural heritage.

Skradin Tower Clock

The most recognizable symbol of Skradin is the tower clock (Campanile) from 1872. Because of its weight, it was built on the nearest cliff instead of beside the church, which was the usual custom.

Wine Tasting

One of the premier wineries in Croatia, Bibich Winery, is located in Skradin. You can book wine tasting tours there and sample some fantastic wines. They also have an amazing restaurant on site.

(Photo credit: Bibich winery)

Bribirska Glavica

Only 15 kilometres from Skradin, branching off from the main road of the town of Bribir, is a winding path leading towards the 300-meter high hill. The captivating site today known as Bribirska Glavica has with good reason, due to its mystical combination of nature and ancient structures, been named the Croatian City of Troy.

Bribir achieved its peak in the 13th and 14th century, during the period when the members of Šubić family ruled over Croatia as the Bans of Croatia. They built a large palace on the hill of Bribir, an ideal place to control the surrounding territory, overseeing all roads and approaches from the sea to the hinterland.

Bribirska Glavica (Photo credit: vd2808 under CC)

Fortress of Rog

The fortress of Rog is located on the right bank of the river Krka near Skradin. It takes around 10 minutes to climb the fortress. The fortress belongs to the Croatian noblemen Šubić Bribirski.

Skradin Town Museum

Check out the town museum which is full with a rich collection of items from the prehistorical age, Liburnian period and period of Antiquity to the late Middle Ages.

Bridge over the Krka (photo: Silverije under CC)

Some facts

Skradin had the first hydroelectric power plant in Europe, opened in 1895, at the same time as Tesla’s famous power plant at Niagara Falls.

The most beautiful view of Skradin extends from the belvedere and the bridge situated on auto route A1, en route towards Split. Due to its breathtaking view, this Belvedere was nominated for the Golden Flower of Europe award for the most beautiful Belvedere on European auto routes.

The entire town core represents a protected cultural monument. It contains houses dating from the 18th and 19th century which are stuccoed in the manner typical for Venice and areas under her influence.