Sinj u sridu

About

The city of Sinj, located in the southwest of Croatia, has a rich history. Archaeological evidence shows that the region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Sources indicate that the city has played a central role in the area from early on. The city is characterised by a historic streetscape and historic buildings, including the church of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, built in the late 16th and early 17th century, and the picturesque Kamičak fort in the city centre. [1;5]

The city is most known for its immaterial cultural heritage related to the Alka of Sinj. The Alka is an annual knightly riding tournament stemming from medieval times, in which competitors aim lances at an iron ring hanging from a rope. The tournament was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, as it is one of the few knightly tournaments in Europe that has not gone extinct. [1;4]

Between 2016 and 2020, the City of Sinj, together with public and private project partners, has conducted a revitalization programme called Sinj u sridu (translated in English as ‘Sinj in centre’. The project aimed to improve the existing cultural, historical and natural heritage of Sinj and utilize its unique tangible and intangible cultural heritage to increase its tourism offer, which will contribute to the socio-economic development of Sinj and its surroundings. [3]

As part of the project, heritage buildings like the Old Town, the Kamičak Fortress and its clock tower, and the Palacina building, which houses, among others, the Museum of the Cetina Region, have been renovated and improved for public access. Some of the historic streets in the centre of Sinj have been refurbished. The physical renovations provide Sinj with a basis for the development of several cultural and touristic events, like festivals, performances and presentations of traditional crafts. A new Interpretation and Education Centre called ‘Sinjska alka’ has been built. This centre provides information and educational activities around the Alka of Sinj. It also has a riding school, where in the future therapeutic riding can take place. As part of the project, capability building activities around the management, valorization and presentation of cultural heritage have been conducted. Furthermore, marketing and promotional branding activities to promote Sinj, and the broader region of Cetina, as a tourism destination have been undertaken. [1;2;3]

All project activities have been implemented. The project partners hope to create about 100 new jobs through the project. The original estimates aimed for an increase of 12% of total touristic visits to the city and an increase of approximately 25% of visits to heritage sites. These figures have to be reevaluated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. [1;2] The project is expected to not only have a positive impact on the city of Sinj but also in the broader region, as an attraction for cultural and religious tourism. [3]

Governance

The City of Sinj has been in charge of the project. It has conducted the project in partnership with public partners, including the Sinj Tourist Board, the Museum of the Cetina Region and RERA SD (a public regional development company), as well as the private partners Florami (a local souvenir provider) and the Knights of Alkar Society (a citizens association in charge of organising the annual Alka tournament). [2;3]

Business Model

The total project was conducted with a budget of approximately €9.470.615 (71.637.539,30 HRK). Of this, approximately €7.253.857 (54.869.560,49 HRK) has been co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund and the Competitiveness and Cohesion Operational Program. The remaining investments are made by the project partners, including the City of Sinj, the Sinj Tourist Board, the Museum of the Cetina Region, RERA SD, the Knights of Alkar Society and Florami. [3]