Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Sinj is located in the Dalmatian hinterland, just a few kilometers from Split, but offers a completely different side of Croatia than the coastal resorts. Here you will encounter dramatic history, ancient fortresses, religious traditions and the famous knightly tournament Sinjska Alka – a tradition that is included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
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ShareWe visited Sinj on an excursion from Split and got to experience both the city's history, traditional klapa singing and the hearty Dalmatian inland cuisine.
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Sinj in Croatia
Sinj is located in the Dalmatian hinterland, about 35 kilometers north of Split, in an area called Cetinska Krajina. The city is surrounded by mountains and green nature and is strongly associated with both the annual knightly tournament Sinjska Alka and pilgrimages to the miraculous Madonna of Sinj.
We visited Sinj as an excursion from Split in connection with Golden Pen Media Awards 2022. We had traveled a lot in Croatia before, but especially along the coast, and therefore it was extra interesting to discover a completely different side of Dalmatia.
Alka - Sinj's equestrian tournament
If there's one thing the town of Sinj is really famous for, it's the "Alka" equestrian tournament that attracts lots of visitors every year on the first weekend of August.
At the centre of the knights' tournament is the iron circle 'alka' - with an inner small circle and an outer larger circle divided into three parts. The inner circle is worth three points when hit with the lance, the upper field two points, and the lower fields one point each. The winner of the Alka is the one who wins the most points in three races.
The ceremony around Alka lasts for three days. The Sunday begins with a solemn procession, when the riders ride in a special order, dressed in authentic 18th century knightly clothes on beautifully decorated horses. To take part in the competition you must be born in the Cetinska Krajina region.
The Alka knight tournament originated during a time when knight tournaments were common throughout Europe. Most have long since fallen into oblivion, but in Sinj the tradition has been kept alive and the Sinjska Alka has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2010. intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Sinjska Alka Museum
Of course, the most exciting time to visit Sinj must be during the vibrant first weekend of August, when crowds fill the streets and it's tournament time.
If, like us, you visit Sinj at a different time of year, you can visit the "Sinjska Alka Museum" to learn more about the tradition. This is a surprisingly nice, and also interactive, museum with information in English.
The old fortress
The remains of the old fortress of Sinj, or Old Town as the place is also called, stand on a hill and whisper of the stories that have unfolded here. The fortress once served as a defense against Ottoman forces.
At the centre of the fortress was the Church of St Michael, where the Franciscans of Rama placed the precious and miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, which was later moved to the Church of Our Lady built at the foot of the mountain.
Today you can see the remains of the fortress in the form of collapsed walls. At the top is a small church from 1887 and a bronze statue of the Madonna from 2008.
As we were here with other journalists, on the occasion of the Golden Pen Media Awards, we were lucky enough to be offered drinks at the top. What was even more interesting was that we got to listen to traditional singing.
Clapping - an intangible Unesco cultural heritage site
Klapa, or klapa singing, is a traditional form of a capella singing from Dalmatia in southern Croatia. The tradition was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. We listened to a few different variations, performed by the men separately and the women separately. Interesting!
Crossroads in Sinj
At the lower part of the hill you will also find the "Way of the Cross" - a path lined with statues of various religious motifs, made by prominent Croatian sculptors. A nice walk!
The springtime church in Sinj - with the miraculous Madonna
In the main square of Sinj, you can visit the Church "Crkva Gospe Sinjske", or the "Church of the Miraculous Madonna of Sinj" as it is called in English. The church was built in 1699-1712 and has retained its original appearance, although it has been damaged by both earthquakes and wars.
The main attraction of the church is the image of the miraculous Madonna of Sinj. The work was made by an unknown painter in the 15th or 16th century and came here from Rama, with the people expelled by the Turks.
According to tradition, the Madonna played a decisive role in the defense of Sinj against an Ottoman siege in 1715. As a sign of gratitude, in 1716 the people of Sinj crowned the image with a golden crown with the inscription IN PERPETUUM CORONATA TRIUMPHAT – ANNO MDCCXV (Triumph in perpetual coronation – the year 1715).
Restaurant Kod Frane in Ovrlja
We had a late lunch at the Kod Frane restaurant in Ovrlja, which is about a mile east of Sinj. The environment here is wonderfully green and beautiful, and the restaurant is right next to a small stream.
The restaurant serves hearty and well-prepared Croatian home cooking. It was definitely not a light lunch, but it was absolutely delicious.
We started with cold cuts, cheeses and the fried bread 'uštipci'. Then we continued with the local dish "arambaši" - minced meat and onions wrapped in cabbage - which was served together with rimmed meat and mashed potatoes. So incredibly tender and delicious!
But the meal was not over yet! Now it was time for a traditional "peka", with veal, vegetables and potatoes. This was also very good!
Now we were full, but since the dessert (pancakes with ice cream and cherries) was so good, we couldn't resist eating some of it too. The nice cakes from Sinj, however, we snuck into the handbag and took with ...
More to see and do in Sinj
Although Sinj is a relatively small town, there is a lot of history here. For example, opposite the Church of Our Lady, you can check out the Kamičak, a star-shaped fort dating back to 1712. You can also walk around the town and discover various sights such as monuments, fountains, historic bridges and palaces.
You will also find a few more museums in the city: the Museum of the Cetinska Krajina Region and the Archaeological Collection of the Sinj Franciscan Monastery. In addition, the area offers outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding, as well as canoeing on the Cetina River.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
From Sinj it's not far to the stunning city of Split, where you can stroll around the historic remains of Diocletian's Palace. Other places to discover nearby include beautiful Trogir and cosy Omiš. Or why not visit lovely islands like Brač, Hvar or Vis?
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Sinj in Croatia
Where is Sinj located?
Sinj is located in the Dalmatian hinterland, about 35 kilometers north of Split. The city is located in the Cetinska Krajina area, surrounded by mountains and countryside, and is a good destination for excursions from the Dalmatian coast.
What is Sinj known for?
Sinj is best known for the Sinjska Alka knightly tournament and the miraculous Madonna of Sinj. The city is also an important pilgrimage destination and has a long history linked to the conflicts between Venice and the Ottoman Empire.
What is Sinjska Alka?
The Sinjska Alka is a traditional knightly tournament in which riders try to hit a small metal ring, called an alka, with a lance at full gallop. The tournament is held every year in August and dates back to the 18th century.
Is Sinjska Alka a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Sinjska Alka is not a World Heritage Site in the same sense as, for example, Dubrovnik's Old Town or the Plitvice Lakes. However, since 2010, the jousting tournament has been on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
When is Sinjska Alka held?
Sinjska Alka is held every year in August. The main competition itself is traditionally held on the first Sunday in August and is preceded by other competitions and ceremonies.
What is there to see and do in Sinj?
Among other things, you can visit the Sinjska Alka Museum, the Church of Our Lady with the miraculous Madonna, the Kamičak Fort and the remains of the old fortress above the city. The area around Sinj is also suitable for hiking, cycling, horse riding and activities on the Cetina River.
What is the miraculous Madonna of Sinj?
The Miraculous Madonna of Sinj is a revered image of Mary brought to the area by Franciscans from Rama. According to tradition, the Madonna helped the inhabitants defend Sinj against an Ottoman siege in 1715. Today, the image is the center of a major Catholic pilgrimage.
Can you visit Sinj as an excursion from Split?
Yes. Sinj is only about 35 kilometers from Split and is a good day trip destination. It is an interesting destination for those who want to combine a holiday on the coast with history, culture and experiences in the Dalmatian hinterland.
Is Sinj worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you are interested in Croatian history and living traditions. Much less touristy than Split and the coastal resorts, Sinj offers a different view of Dalmatia, with knightly traditions, religious heritage, local cuisine and a mountainous hinterland.
English (UK) 
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Annar Aas says:
Hi was there in the 80s by bus. Would wish that we had as good gaider as you. Absolutely wonderful to follow you, good text and nice pictures. You are really professional. I visited Omis three years in a row with my family... A wonderful place.
31 May 2022 - 8:51
Helena says:
How nice that you have been here! And thank you very much, we are so happy for your nice words! It feels good to write when you hear things like this! Wishing you a continued nice week!
31 May 2022 - 18:42
Ann says:
How exciting, that definitely sounds like a place I would appreciate!
31 May 2022 - 14:34
Helena says:
Yes, an interesting place! I myself would like to come back when it's time for a knight's tournament 🙂.
31 May 2022 - 18:42
bmlarsreseblogg says:
We did just like you and probably most others, so we stayed along the coast when we travelled in Croatia. We visited Trogir, Omis and Brac, but imagine being able to visit Sinj during the knight games.
31 May 2022 - 15:03
Helena says:
Yes, the coast is the most attractive of course! Not surprising given Croatia's beautiful coastline. But if you spend a little more time here, it is interesting to see more! Agree, would very much like to participate in the weekend with knight tournament! 🙂
31 May 2022 - 18:44
BP says:
The Croatian Tourist Board really does a fantastic job, both in terms of its Award but also in "selling" destinations that no one would think of exploring. Especially since it is located inland and probably few have heard of it. I really hope that your report and the other bloggers' stories do the trick for Sinj and similar not so well known places.
31 May 2022 - 18:18
Helena says:
The destinations along the coast in Croatia "sell" themselves quite well, if you say so 😉 The coast is what attracts most in Croatia, but if you have a little more time in the country, it is interesting to see more. For us, who have seen a lot along the coast, it was very interesting!
31 May 2022 - 18:45