The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik is a church that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, set on the old town square. It was built over more than a century, starting in 1431, and it is made entirely of stone, with no wood, brick or mortar. The outer walls carry more than 70 carved human heads, portraits of people who lived in the city in the 15th century. Inside, the small baptistery is the highlight, and on a sunny day light through the rose window gives the room a calm glow. The cathedral ticket also includes the Civitas Sacra museum.
How the cathedral was built
Work on the cathedral began in 1431 and continued until 1536, so the building took more than a century. The lower level follows the work of Venetian architects, who added the carved Venetian-Gothic portals. The rest of the plan was drawn by Juraj Dalmatinac, the local architect who proposed the Renaissance cupola. Nikola Firentinac also worked on the project, and later stages were completed by local and Italian masters.
The builders used only stone, quarried on the islands of Brač, Korčula, Rab and Krk. No wood, brick or binding mortar was used. The stones are cut to interlock, a technique the builders developed here. The roof's interlocking slabs were damaged at one point and have since been repaired. UNESCO added the cathedral to its World Heritage list in 2000.
The carved faces on the outside
The most distinctive feature is the frieze of more than 70 carved human heads that runs along the outer walls and the apse. They show residents of Šibenik in the 15th century, carved in stone as a permanent gallery around the city's most important building.
The heads are worth a slow walk around the outside. Each one has its own face and expression, so it helps to take the walk before you go inside. The stone carvings around the outside are as detailed as those inside.
Inside the cathedral
The interior is compact and quiet. Light enters through a large rose window, and on a sunny day it fills the room with a calm, spiritual atmosphere. The walls are plain marble with carved icons and friezes, and the altar is simple. Without wood or brick, the interior has a pure, stone quality.
The baptistery is the detail most worth slowing down for. It is small, sits below ground level and has a carved ceiling. Read the brochure at the baptistery before you move on, since it explains the details.
The cathedral remains an active place of worship. Visitors are welcome to look around, and some come to pray. Keep your visit calm and unhurried.
The Civitas Sacra museum
The cathedral ticket includes the Civitas Sacra museum, also called the Interpretation Centre. It is in a separate building, not beside the cathedral, but it is worth the short walk. The museum explains the long construction and the history of Šibenik. Keep your ticket, because you need to show it to enter the museum.
Allow about an hour for the museum. Its top floor has a cafe with a view over the city and air conditioning, which helps on hot days.
Around the square
The cathedral stands on the Square of the Republic of Croatia in the old town, and the Town Hall is beside it. Near the cathedral exit, a vocal group often sings traditional Croatian klapa music for free. UNESCO recognises klapa singing as intangible heritage.
The cathedral was also a filming location for the fifth season of Game of Thrones, where it stands in for the Iron Bank in the City of Bravos. For views of the cathedral and its tiled roofs, climb to St. Michael's Fortress.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Entry to the cathedral is paid in cash only, and the ticket also gives access to the Civitas Sacra museum.
Does the ticket include the museum?
Yes. The cathedral ticket covers the Civitas Sacra museum, which is in a separate building a short walk away. Keep your ticket to show at the museum.
How long do you need?
Plan 1 to 2 hours in total. The cathedral is small and takes less time, while the museum needs about an hour.
Can you buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
What should you wear?
Dress modestly when you enter, since the cathedral is an active place of worship.
