The production 'Siege of Sinj 1715' on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, celebrates 20 years with performances at two locations, and audiences can also look forward to the first screening of a documentary about its rich history.
One of Croatia's most impressive cultural-historical spectacles, the stage show 'Siege of Sinj 1715', marks a full two decades since its premiere this year. The jubilee performance is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and in addition to the show itself, the organizers have prepared a special surprise for loyal fans and new audiences alike.
The story that has been bringing to life the crucial moments of Sinj's defense against the Ottoman siege in August 1715 for 20 years will unfold this year at two authentic locations in Sinj. The first act begins at 8:30 PM at King Tomislav Square, while the second act, starting at 9:15 PM, will take place at Alkarski Dvori.
The premiere of the show took place on August 11, 2006 at a historically authentic location, the Fortress of Grad, where the actual battles occurred. The first performance featured around a hundred performers, including members of the Sinj People's Theater, citizens of Sinj, members of the Association for the Preservation of Heritage of the Cetina Region, and the Mixed Choir of the Parish of St. Michael from Trilj. The director was theater scholar Ana Dalbello, who laid the artistic foundations for a project that would grow into a symbol of community.
The script, which faithfully captures the atmosphere of the final days of the siege, was written by the late Velimir Borković, drawing on historical sources and folk tradition. His text brings to life key historical figures such as the fortress commander Zorzi Balbi, Venetian captain Giovanni Manzecca, harambašas Mate Žanko and Mate Filipović-Grčić, military chaplain Don Ivan Filipović-Grčić, and guardian Fra Pavao Vučković. The late director and dramaturge Rade Perković also left a special mark on the production, shaping its stage life for years.
The originator of the entire idea was the late Fra Josip Ante Soldo, an erudite driven by love for Sinj's history and a desire to present the key event at an authentic site. His vision grew into a project that brings together hundreds of people, from actors and extras to horsemen, members of cultural-artistic societies, musicians, and volunteers.
The show does not only depict wartime conflicts. One of its most powerful scenes is the procession with the image of Our Lady of Sinj, led by guardian Fra Pavao Vučković. This moment of prayer and hope culminates with the arrival of a messenger whose cry "The Turks are fleeing!" brings news of the Ottoman army's retreat and changes the course of history.
Behind this demanding project stands a wide network of support. Organizational partners include the City of Sinj, the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, Split-Dalmatia County, the restaurant Alkarski Dvori, the Alkar Equestrian Club, Čistoća Cetinske krajine, and the Sinj Police Station. Patronage was provided by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia. Institutions such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Sinj, the Alkars' Chivalric Society, the Historical Unit of Klis Uskoks, the HGSS, Sinj Station, along with numerous associations and cultural-artistic societies, have enriched the show through their participation and support.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, after the end of the show, audiences can expect a special premiere. A documentary film by Ante Gugić will be screened, dedicated precisely to the history of the "Siege of Sinj 1715," its origins, and all the people who, through their creativity and dedication, have embedded themselves in this unique story that has been preserving the memory of the city's defense for two decades.
