Gorica – Cultural Heritage and Folklore

Cultural heritage and folklore in Gorica

The Church of St. John the Baptist in Gorica is a protected cultural asset. Near the village are the remains of graves considered an archaeological site.

Folklore evenings in Gorica and Sukošan give visitors an insight into local folklore and traditions from Slavonia, Prigorje and other regions of Croatia. Specific dates vary by edition. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these evenings, check the program for your travel dates.

Gradina Vrčevo is located near Sukošan and is a multi-period archaeological site associated with an important Liburnian center. It was continuously inhabited from the Middle Bronze Age to the end of the Early Iron Age.

Cultural history in the wider destination of Općina Sukošan

The parish church of St. Cassian in Sukošan has been mentioned since 1396 and probably existed as early as the 9th or 10th century. It acquired its present appearance in 1642. The church features pre-Romanesque sculptural fragments and an imposing gable from an altar screen, probably dating from the mid-11th century or slightly earlier.

Palac was later used as a fortress and served as a refuge in 1646 for refugees fleeing the Turks during the War of Candia. Gornja vrata are visible remains of the defensive walls that surrounded Sukošan and were built by the Venetian authorities between 1468 and 1470.

In the wider area of Općina Sukošan, traditional lime production is recognized as a protected cultural heritage skill. The Filipi boatyard in Sukošan has been operating since 1932. Today, the fifth generation of kalafati preserves the boatbuilding traditions, which are recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

Events in Općina Sukošan

The feast of St. Cassian is celebrated on August 13 in Sukošan and Debeljak. In Sukošan, a Mass is followed by a procession around the old town center and fireworks over the sea; the program may vary by edition. Ispod Kampanela is a klapa gathering in Sukošan where renowned klapas perform not only klapa songs but also poems in the local dialect.

The Sukošan Jazz Festival is a two-day event featuring jazz concerts by renowned artists for residents and visitors. Dates and line-up vary by edition. The Maškare tradition in Sukošan includes a parade every last Sunday before Lent, with masked groups of all generations, allegorical floats and food stations along the route. The route and program may also change.

Nature and activities in Općina Sukošan

For exercise on Tustica, the fitness trail offers two routes: a 6.6-kilometer loop and a 2-kilometer route along the Tustica ridge. There are two rest areas along the way. The different route lengths give you a concrete point of reference for choosing how much time to set aside. The municipality also has three signposted cycling routes by Zadar Bike Magic.

The Magunja Trail features races over 25, 12 and 6 kilometers. The routes pass through Općina Sukošan, over Tustica, and through fields, vineyards and olive groves. If you would like to plan your trip around a race, check the date of the specific event. A section of the Camino Zadar passes through the destination of Sukošan and is part of the European pilgrimage route network, the Camino de Santiago.

The beaches also differ in character: Dječji raj is a sandy beach with shallow water. D-Marin Dalmacija beach is a pebble beach and beach club zone with pontoons, as well as areas for relaxation and children's play. Makarska beach is part of a newly built promenade; nearby are facilities for beach volleyball, basketball, children's play and bocce. Beach club facilities may change seasonally, and nearby leisure facilities may also change. Check the specific facilities if they are important to your plans.

For a nautical perspective, Marina Dalmacija in Sukošan is a good starting point for exploring the 300 islands of the Zadar archipelago.

Discover more destinations: Debeljak, Sukosan.

For the overview of the wider destination: Općina Sukošan.