Sinj

Croatia’s major tourist region is centred around Split, the region’s largest city. This is home to the majority of the Croatian population, where the islands are located and where the best beaches are found. The town of Sinj is located in the Split hinterland, in an area full of archaeological sites dating from antiquity and the early Middle Ages, one main attraction being standing tombstones of medieval origin. One of the major customs and spectacles in Sinj is the Sinjska Alka, a tournament which takes place every August on the anniversary of a battle in 1715, when 500 Croatian soldiers from Sinj defeated a Turkish army of 60,000. In the tournament, riders dressed in traditional Alkar costume and charging at full gallop have three attempts at piercing the middle of a small iron ring (the alka) with a lance. The rider with the highest number of points is declared the winner. Other Alka participants also dress in traditional costumes, as do girls from Sinj and the surrounding areas. In addition to Alka, Sinj is known as the place of pilgrimage to Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj. The town also has an interesting museum.