Katedrala Sv Jakova (Cathedral of St. Jacob)

Katedrala Sv Jakova (Cathedral of St. Jacob) Review

Sibenik's finest piece of architecture, the Katedrala Sv Jakova, was built in several distinct stages and styles between 1431 and 1536, and today it is a UNESCO world heritage site. The lower level is the work of Venetian architects who contributed the finely carved Venetian-Gothic portals, whereas the rest of the building follows plans drawn up by local architect Juraj Dalmatinac, who proposed the Renaissance cupola. Note the frieze running around the outer wall, with 74 faces carved in stone, depicting the locals from that time. The cathedral's best-loved feature, the tiny baptistery with minutely chiseled stone decorations, was designed by Dalmatinac but executed by Andrija Alesi. As you leave, take a look at the bronze statue just outside the main door: that's Dalmatinac himself, by Croatia's greatest 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic.