SINJ
 Sinj is a croatian town located about 30 km north of Split. Sinj has rich cultural heritage that includes Sinjka Alka and a celebration of Our Lady of Sinj locally called Sinjska Gospa. Sinjska Gospa is allegedly miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, hanged in the local church, Virgin that helped local population to defend against the Ottoman Turks back in 1715. This image draws pilgrims from all over Croatia to Sinj, on 15th of August every year, when image os Gospa Sinjska is paraded from local church along narrow Sinj streets.
 Alka in Sinj (Sinjska Alka) is another cultural manifestation that Sinj is famous for (see the image). It is medieval competition , first recorded in 1715, in which competitors in knightly postures on galloping horses attempt to thread their lances through the ring dangled from a rope. The ring, called 'Alka' (hence the name) consists of two concentric iron rings linked by three bars dividing the space between the rings into three equal parts. The winner is the competitor that has collected the maximum number of points. Alka competition symbolizes the victory of the people of Sinj and the Cetina district from Ottoman Turks attacks. More info: Sinj Tourist Board tel: +385 021 826 352 e-mail: tzg-sinja@st.htnet.hr 
Sinj - location on the map |
