Tonight's Spectacle at the Fortress: 'The Siege of Sinj 1715' Celebrates 20 Years
The historical reenactment of the town's defense against the Ottomans will once again come to life at the authentic location, marking two decades since its premiere.
The historical reenactment of the town's defense against the Ottomans will once again come to life at the authentic location, marking two decades since its premiere.
Tonight, on August 12, 2026, the Sinj fortress Grad will host another performance of the historical spectacle "The Siege of Sinj 1715," a show that has been reconstructing a pivotal moment in the history of the Cetina region for two decades. This year's performance is special as it marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere, which took place at the same venue on August 11, 2006.
The play faithfully depicts the dramatic days of August 1715, when the small defense force of Sinj, composed of the Venetian garrison, local harambašas, Franciscans, and the people, withstood the overwhelming Ottoman army. This event was crucial for the security of all of Dalmatia, and its significance is still celebrated today through this unique blend of history, art, and faith.
The central part of the reenactment is the dramatic Council of Defense, which brings together the historical figures responsible for the town's fate. Participants include 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. Faced with an ultimatum and with little hope of success, they make a decision that will mark history, there will be no surrender.
After a heated debate, the audience witnesses scenes of Ottoman attacks, artillery fire, and assaults on the walls. However, the play does not only depict warfare but also the human dimension, fear, responsibility, and the faith that sustained the defenders. One of the most powerful scenes is the procession with the image of Our Lady of Sinj, brought by the people from Rama, led by guardian fra Pavao Vučković. The play culminates with the arrival of a messenger who announces the retreat of the Ottoman army with the cry "The Turks are fleeing!", followed by joy and communal prayer.
The premiere in 2006 brought together about a hundred performers, members of the Sinj Pučko Kazalište, citizens, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina Region, and the Mixed Choir of the Parish of St. Michael in Trilj. The first direction was by theater scholar Ana Dalbello, who laid the artistic foundations for a project that has grown into one of the most recognizable cultural-historical events in the region.
The originator of the idea was the late fra Josip Ante Soldo, driven by deep knowledge of history and love for his homeland. The dramatic text was written by the late Velimir Borković, drawing on historical sources. The late Rade Perković also made a special contribution to the development of the play. Over the past two decades, hundreds of actors, extras, horsemen, and volunteers have participated in the performance, with numerous associations and institutions involved in its realization, notably the Shrine of Our Lady of Sinj, the Alka Knights' Society, and the KUU Marko Marulić.
The organization of tonight's spectacle is supported by the City of Sinj, the Tourist Board of the Split-Dalmatia County, the Split-Dalmatia County, and many other partners, including the Alkar Equestrian Club, the Alkarski Dvori restaurant, and the Sinj Police Station. Patronage has been provided by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia. For many residents of Sinj and their guests, the play has become an indispensable part of the celebration of the Alka and the Assumption, a lasting expression of gratitude to the defenders and Our Lady of Sinj.
