October 28, 2019 - As part of the ongoing tourism promotion of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, in cooperation with the Sinj Tourist Board, distinguished German journalists, including Frank Störbrauck (reisenEXKLUSIV), Bernd-Uwe Gutknecht (Bayerischer Rundfunk). Moni Birk (Hessischer Rundfunk), Tonia Sorrentino (Freelancer for WZ), Marit Blossey (MitVergnügen Berlin), and Friedrich Reip (Freelancer for FUNKE Media), accompanied by PR manager from Lieb Management Anja Kloss, visited Sinj.

The esteemed journalists were accompanied by Anita Birimiš, a tourist guide from the Split Society of Tourist Guides, and Monika Vrgoč, director of the Sinj Tourist Board, who introduced them to the geographical, historical and cultural features of the city, the shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, the Sinj Alka and the importance of the city of Sinj locally and nationally.

The purpose of their arrival to this part of Inland Dalmatia was to visit the Museum of the Sinj Alka, as well as the tourist offer and potentials of the City of Sinj and the Cetina Region. 

The Museum Alka of Sinj received another valuable recognition, "The best in heritage 2019", for its exhibition and work. The award was presented to them in Dubrovnik, where the Annual Review of Award-winning Museum, Heritage and Conservation Projects of the World was organized by Europa Nostra (support for the Creative Europe program), the International Council of Museums (ICOM), and with the help of the City of Dubrovnik and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.

The contribution to the city of Sinj and the Museum Alka of Sinj, through which Branimir Župić curated the exhibition, will be published in magazines, as well as on various social networks and blog posts.

The Sinj Tourist Board would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fruitful collaboration.

October 21, 2019 - On Friday, October 18, 2019, the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Sinj, organized three educational workshops for children and adults on the topic  of ”Traditional Handmade Pottery from Potravlje”. The workshops were successfully held at the Sikirica Gallery in Sinj.

Due to the increased interest, for the fifth consecutive year, several workshops are held instead of just one - and for the next year, several additional workshops for elementary school children from the Cetina region will also be organized. 

As in previous years, the children's workshop was held in cooperation with the kindergarten Bili Cvitak and Mrs. Ana Glavinović, who assisted Mr. Ivan Knezović in creating the clay items. At the end of the workshop, the proud students brought their handicrafts with them to decorate the nursery. 

The Ivan Mažuranić elementary school students from Obrovac Sinjski - Han, accompanied by teacher Mrs. Grozdana Filipović - Grčić and Mrs. Ljubica Šakić, and students from the elementary school in Trilj, accompanied by teacher Mrs. Ivana Crljen, also participated in the workshops.

Ivan Knezovic, who regularly leads these educational workshops, is also among the last to practice this traditional craft. Traditional pottery from Potravlje has the status of an intangible cultural property since 2013 and has been nominated by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia for the protection of UNESCO. It is of the utmost importance to preserve this segment of Croatia’s traditional culture and allow it to continue by passing it on to younger generations. For this purpose, the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, holds these workshops.

Everyone who expressed their desire and interest could participate in the workshops under the expert guidance of Mr. Knezović. Due to a large number of participants who wanted to try their hand at creating these items, the workshops were held from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Workshop participants were given unique souvenirs made personally by Mr. Ivan Knezović, and the youngest attendees were given small gingerbread cookies. The musical part of the evening featured members of the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina Region and KUD Dicmo.

You can learn more about the pottery in the video below:

The Sinj Tourist Board sincerely thanks everyone who helped them in the realization of this project and the Sikirica Gallery for providing the space.

October 14, 2019 - The future tourism development of the Cetina region will be based on the development of active and adventure tourism and untouched natural beauties. It will be presented under the slogan "Untamed Dalmatia". 

On Monday, the results of the promotional activities for the project 'Sinj u sridu', an integrated program financed by European funds, aimed at the reconstruction, renovation, and revitalization of cultural assets of the City of Sinj for their greater valorization, were presented at the Sinj City Hall. The project partner responsible for the implementation of the promotional activities was the Public Institution RERA S.D. for the coordination and development of Split-Dalmatia County (JU RERA S.D.). This resulted in a mobile application and web portal for the Cetina region and a promotional catalog of cultural heritage in Croatian, English, Italian, and German. The framework for these activities was provided by the Cetina Krajina Branding Strategy.

The mobile application "Cetinska Krajina" and the web portal www.cetinska-krajina.hr have been developed to meet the needs of visitors who are motivated by the desire for new experiences and experiences, gastronomy and enjoying the beauties of natural heritage. The app is available for Android and iOS devices, and one of the special features is that visitors can use the navigation tool to create a tour route to their preferences. Nineteen cycling trails in the area of Sinj, Trilj, and Vrlika have also been integrated into the mobile application.

The presentation was attended by the mayor of Sinj, Kristina Krizanac, Jozo Sarac, director of JU RERA for the Coordination and Development of Split-Dalmatia County, Feđa Milivojevic from Urbanex Ltd., creator of the branding strategy, Martina Horvat from Kocka d.o.o., in charge of developing the mobile application and web portal Cetinska krajina, as well as other representatives from the tourism sector in the Split-Dalmatia County region. 

"The goal of 'Sinj u sridu' is to encourage stronger valorization of the natural and cultural heritage of this region and ultimately increase the employment and standard of living of our fellow citizens. We want Sinj not only alive in August when the Alka and the Assumption of Mary are held, but also the rest of the year. That is why the renovation project included the fortress Stari grad, Kamičak fortress, Palacina building and streets in the city center, and the Sinjska Alka Museum,” said Križanac.

The director of JU RERA, Jozo Sarac, emphasized: "The final goal of implementing the activities defined by the Cetina Krajina Branding Strategy is to increase the arrival of tourists to this area." Sarac presented the Cetina Krajina Branding Strategy document to the representatives of municipalities and cities, that is, representatives of tourist boards as the bearers of tourism development in the Cetina region.

The branding strategy covered the cities of Sinj, Trilj, and Vrlika and the municipalities of Dicmo, Hrvace and Otok. The tourism potential of the area is articulated in the Branding Strategy, which also defines the visual identity of the Cetina region, the brand and communication strategy and the action plan for the implementation of the Branding Strategy. Future tourism development of the Cetina region should be based on the development of active and adventure tourism and untouched natural beauties. It should be presented under the slogan 'Untamed Dalmatia'.

The 'Sinj u sridu' project, as well as the development of promotional materials and the implementation of promotional activities, were co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund and the Competitiveness and Cohesion Operational Program 2014-2020. The total value of the project amounts to HRK 66,594,231.17, of which the European Union grant is HRK 55,597,793.26.

For more information, visit www.strukturnifondovi.hr.

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October 14, 2019 - The picturesque village of Potravlje is situated at the foot of Svilaja, adjoining the edge of Lake Peruca. It is the cradle of Cetina pottery using a hand wheel, a craft whose beginnings date back to prehistoric antiquity of the 4th century BC. About fifty families kept this centuries-old tradition of making pottery in the Cetina region villages until WWII, and in the Potravlje region, about twenty of them. As far back as 1774, the famous Italian travel writer Alberto Fortis stated that these pots were more durable than those of his homeland.

This was a time when various earthenware, copper pots for cooking milk, or for preparing a turkey and corn polenta, cups for butter and sour milk, or for storing wine and grain, and even pans for grilling were used in households. Barbecue pans, baking trays, bell-shaped lids to cover pastry or other open-hearth dishes, serving plates, bowls, and drinking jars were all needed. Each container was named after its intended use. Today, along with some traditional pots, new forms are also being made, such as amphorae (for tourists), flower pots, and various miniature types of traditional utensils that are offered as souvenirs.

Thus, traditional pottery in Potravlje has been named intangible cultural property.

After a series of successful and highly visited workshops, the Tourist Board of Sinj, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, is organizing an educational workshop "Traditional Handmade Pottery from Potravlje" this year.

This year's workshop will be held on Friday, October 18, at 6:00 pm on the 3rd floor of the Sikirica Gallery. The workshop will be led by Ivan Knezovic, one of the last masters of this traditional craft. The workshop participants, if they wish, will also be able to try making clay pots with the expert assistance of Ivan Knezović.

Nikola Belancic

Commemorative souvenirs have been prepared for all attendees, which will be distributed upon completion of the workshop.

All interested parties can send their applications by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone on 021 / 826-352 by Thursday, October 17th at noon.

Participation in the workshop is free of charge and the number of participants is limited.

October 10, 2019 - Nature lovers from the Mushroom Association "Sunčanica" Sinj invite all members and friends to the Mushroom Festival, which will be held in Sinj on October 11 and 12, 2019.

The first day of the program begins at 6 pm at the Sikirica Gallery, where Matija Josipovic, author of seven books in the field of mushrooming and founder of the Russula Mushroom Research Center, will promote his new book Gljive.

The second day of the Mushroom Festival will continue on the family farm of Agrotourism Podastrana. All participants will go on the hunt for mushrooms together. The youngest visitors will enjoy a children's corner by the Biom Association.

Don't miss out on the fascinating world of mushrooms! The event is organized by the Mushroom Association "Sunčanica" Sinj, the Tourist Board of Sinj, Agritourism Podastrana, and the Biom Association.

Septemeber 4, 2019 - Kevin Rushby, who writes for the prestigious Guardian, with a total reach of 25 million readers, was in the city of Sinj and the Cetina region on Tuesday. 

As part of the ongoing promotion of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, in cooperation with the local tourist boards of the cities and municipalities of Split, Klis, Imotski, Trilj and Sinj, the renowned Guardian journalist Kevin Rushby, author of the award-winning books on travel collaborating with a range of Tier-1 Media, arrived in Sinj. 

The Sinj Tourist Board tried to offer as diverse an itinerary as possible to showcase the richness of both Dalmatian cuisine and historical and cultural heritage, which is extremely important to British readers when choosing a destination. In addition to presenting the area’s wine and gastronomy offer and cultural heritage, the Guardian also plans to bring this part of Croatia closer to readers, with an emphasis on active rest and exploration of natural beauty.

Kevin Rushby arrived in Sinj, accompanied by tour guide Dino Ivancic, and Monika Vrgoc, director of the Sinj Tourist Board, who introduced him to the city's geographical, historical and cultural landmarks, the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, Kamičak Fortress, Gaj Laberija, the Alka racetrack and the significance of the town of Sinj, both locally and nationally. They then went on a tour of the Sinjska Alka Museum where they were greeted by the director Boris Filipović Grčić, as well as the Alkar Pavao Prolić and Alkar boy Marko Mrđen. The museum exhibit was presented to him by museum curator Tomislav Barhanović. The museum exhibit, as well as the entire presentation of the Alka, delighted the respected British journalist, who showed great interest in the rich history of the Sinj area.

As the whole program requires gastronomy, Sinj's arambaša, Dalmatian prosciutto, young cheese and uštipak, as well as the native Sinj hrvaština wine, were presented. In the afternoon, he visited Mr. Ivan Knezovic, one of the last craftsmen of the traditional pottery of Potravlje, who introduced him to traditional cookware that can still be found in practical use. Rushby also visited Mr. Jozo Beslic, who, together with his wife, presented the production of tools and household items with an emphasis on wooden "copper".

On this occasion, the Sinj Tourist Board thanks all those who contributed to this fruitful collaboration.

September 4, 2019 - The five-day photo workshop ‘The World in Color’, co-organized by Photo Croatia and the Tourist Board of Sinj, was completed by a joint exhibition of selected photographs of all participants at the Sikirica Gallery.

On September 3, at the premises of the Sikirica Gallery, an exhibition of the work of the participants of the first photo workshop was opened.

The workshop, which was conducted by Sanja Grgić Ćurić and Nikola Ćurić, professionally and interestingly, consisted of theoretical and practical parts. Participants of the photo workshop found motifs in the area of Sinj on the following topics: Sinj City fortress, Stations of the Cross, Alkar monument, Cetina river, Han bridge, Kosinac spring, Sinj field, and the Sinj Air Show. Thirteen students of all ages from the cities of Sinj, Trilj, Otok and Cista Provo completed their education, and in search of the most interesting and unusual images, they participated in creating unforgettable visual magic. The best indicator of the success of the workshop was certainly the presence of numerous visitors at the Sikirica Gallery at the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition will be open by the end of the week, and anyone interested can come and see the photos.

The Sinj Tourist Board would like to thank everyone who helped with the realization of this first photo workshop, and especially the Aeronautical Technical Society, which allowed the photographers to photograph the Sinj Air Show, and the Sikirica Gallery and the KUS staff for their help in setting up the exhibition.

August 27, 2019 - A five-day photo workshop titled ‘The World in Color’, co-organized by Photo Croatia and the Tourist Board of Sinj, invites everyone interested in a challenge and a new take on what is known and unknown through the lens of a camera. After over 120 successful and extremely well-attended visits to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this year's photo workshop in Sinj will be held from 30 August to 3 September 2019.

The workshop is free of charge for participants and is intended for ages 12 and older. Join in on the search for the most interesting and unusual motifs and take part in creating unforgettable visual magic.

Registration must be made to Sanja Grgić Ćurić (091 5742343). The first meeting is on Friday, 30th August 2019 at 17:00 in front of the office of the Sinj Tourist Board.

August 26, 2019 - As part of the 24th World Scout Jamboree, which took place in West Virginia, in the United States of America, from July 22 to August 2 this year, the Croatian Scout Alliance had the chance to participate, socialize and share experiences with 45,000 scouts from 150 countries. 

In addition to sporting activities, the participants had the opportunity to educate themselves but also promote the country they came from through their cultural heritage. 

On this occasion, Croatian scouts presented the Sinj Alka and the town of Sinj, to the general delight of all participants. As a special feature, all visitors had the opportunity to play a version of the Sinj Alka. The scouts ran in pairs, one (horse) carrying the other (alkar) on their back while trying to aim the alka. The most successful participants received commemorative souvenirs for the award, which were provided by the Sinj Tourist Board and the Sinjska Alka Museum.

The Sinj Tourist Board thanks the Croatian Scout Alliance for this truly valuable promotion of the Inland Dalmatian region, as well as Ivana Šabić, prof. and Nada Jelinčić who participated in the realization of this event.

August 22, 2019 - The Brnaze Festival is a festival of chivalry, heroism, and folklore that is dedicated to old disciplines, cultures, and sports.

The Brnaze festival was held for the first time in 1974 and continuously ran until 1990. The festival was relaunched in 1999 and came to a halt a few years ago. In 2016, the Sinjska Alka cluster organized the festival again to ensure the preservation of the traditions of this area through this manifestation.

This year’s Brnaze festival will return for the 34tg edition at Meljač, known as the site of the ruins of the early Christian church of St. Mihovil.

The Brnaze Festival is a valuable, cultural, and original ethno-festival with rich economic content. Many producers of autochthonous products from the Cetina and Dalmatian region participate in the event, and there are also demonstrations of hunting, heroism and folklore dedicated exclusively to ancient disciplines, culture and sports. 

The location of Meljač is among one of the most important early Christian sites that is regularly mentioned in literature. Therefore, the festival serves a purpose to help revalue the site through projects that protect its cultural heritage.

The festival also aims to promote locality, and as in previous years, it will promote the preservation of ethnic heritage, various traditional games (bocce ball tournament, bag races, football matches, long jump, martial arts, parachute jumps), performances of KUDs, and more. 

At the end of the three-day affair, an “Evening of Tradition and Folklore" will be performed through cultural art societies, with special reference to this year's winner of the 304th Sinjska Alka, Frane Ivković from Brnaze.

The event is organized by the Sinjska Alka Cluster in cooperation with the locals of Brnaze.

Entrance is free!