Saint James Cathedral in Šibenik

I am never any good at following the crowds but I was glad to overhear a guide tell her group to look at all the faces on the outside wall of the cathedral. The funny thing was that there was a french man who insisted (rightly) on having his profile photographed in front of his stone twin!!! The baptism crypt is spectacular. Works were still in progress when I visited on the main part of the church but you could still appreciate its side altars art etc

The cathedral of st James an oasis of peace and tranquility in the increasingly cosmopolitan center of the Sibenik. Architecturally stunning inside and out it combines both gothic and renaissance styles, with a definite Florentine influence. Lookout for the 71 faces carved into the facade, these are particually striking. Sibenik itself is a delightful medieval city with great restaurants serving hearty Croatian fare, lovely narrow alleyways to explore, quaint coffee shops and bustling squares. The city is a stones throw from beautiful Dalmatian coast beaches, in my view the best in the med and Krka national park is also well worth a visit. Whilst the cathedral was spared, Sibenik suffered during the war but after many years of careful and expert restoration it is now back to it's best. Hurry to visit before it is discovered the crowds arrive and prices increase.