Stankovci between history and wine tradition

Stankovci combines a long history of settlement with cultural traditions and winegrowing. The destination offers a range of points of interest to help you choose a hotel: prehistoric and ecclesiastical heritage, the silent circle dance Nijemo kolo, the Vinkovo wine-tasting tradition, and nearby Vransko jezero Nature Park. You can decide whether local history, folklore or activities in the natural environment should shape your stay.

History and architecture in Stankovci

The settlement of Stankovci emerged in the Middle Ages below Velim Fortress. In the 16th century, the town was the scene of Venetian-Ottoman conflicts; from 1546 until the beginning of the Morean War in 1684, Stankovci was under Ottoman rule. In 1747, a new Catholic parish was established here within the Diocese of Skradin. These dates offer different points of reference for the town’s history.

The Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary was built in 1885. It is distinct from the Church of St. Mary at the cemetery in Stankovci, which is considered an important cultural monument. Velika Gradina, in turn, is a prehistoric hillfort settlement. Stankovci is therefore home to heritage from different eras: from the prehistoric settlement through medieval development to later church buildings.

Nijemo kolo and folklore

Nijemo kolo is a silent circle-dance ritual performed without musical accompaniment and regarded as a local marker of identity. Cultural associations are increasingly passing the tradition down from generation to generation. The form from Stankovci is called “Kolanje”; the KUD “VINAC” from Stankovci is associated with the silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterland. For travelers interested in regional culture, the dance tradition offers a distinct way to connect with the town’s identity.

The folklore event “Stankovci, milo selo pod gradinom” is also part of the town’s cultural life. Its 21st edition took place in 2023, and its 23rd in 2025. These two past editions provide a concrete impression of how the event has developed, without anticipating a date for a future edition.

Winegrowing and Vinkovo

Growing grapevines is an agricultural activity in Stankovci. Vinkovo offers another connection to wine as a wine-tasting tradition: its 29th edition took place in 2026. The tasting of North Dalmatian wines was held on January 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the cultural center in Stankovci. The connection with wine therefore has two distinct sides: grape growing as part of agriculture, and Vinkovo as a recurring wine-tasting tradition. If you want to include a future edition in your travel plans, check the event dates.

Vransko jezero Nature Park nearby

The nearby Vransko jezero Nature Park is home to 256 bird species, including 102 species that breed in the park. The nature park also offers a 40-kilometer cycle route around the lake. These details point to two different aspects of nature: the documented diversity of birdlife and a specific cycling route. Check local conditions before setting out on a bike ride.

Getting there

County road ŽC6068 connects Stankovci with Pirovac. In the wider destination of Općina Stankovci, the A1 motorway runs along the municipality’s northern edge. State road D27 connects Gračac, Zaton Obrovački and Benkovac with Stankovci and Šibenik.

Discover more destinations: Bila Vlaka, Banjevci.

View the wider travel overview: Općina Stankovci.