Discover Sikovo: Cycling Routes, Dvorine and Patron Saint’s Day Celebrations

In Sikovo, religious traditions, archaeological traces and routes through an agricultural landscape take centre stage. The parish church of Saint Nikola Tavelić, the ruins of Dvorine, and the cycling and hiking routes offer different ways to explore during your stay.

Church and Patron Saint’s Day Celebrations in Sikovo

The parish church in Sikovo is dedicated to Saint Nikola Tavelić; it was consecrated in the 1970s. A local report from March 2025 described it as the first church to be consecrated during the communist era. The church thus offers a tangible connection to the village’s more recent history, while documents establish a much earlier written reference to its name.

Documents from the 12th century mention the property name Sichoua, associated with Sikovo. This medieval trace of the name adds an earlier written reference to the history of the parish church.

Four patron saint’s day celebrations are held in Sikovo each year: in honour of Saint John, Saint Roch, the Assumption of Mary, and Saint Nicholas. The customs stem from traditions brought by the settlers when they established the settlement. Those interested in religious celebrations will therefore find not just a single patronal feast, but a calendar of four annually recurring events.

Dvorine: Ruins and Historical Interpretation

The ruins of Dvorine lie on the road between Sveti Filip i Jakov and Sikovo. They are part of a rectangular structure with a footprint of 29 × 21 metres; the surviving walls are up to three metres high. These measurements describe both the footprint and the height of the surviving structures, providing two different points of reference for the site.

The ruins have been linked to the construction of the Church of Saint Roch on Rogovo. This is a historical interpretation. As visiting conditions may vary, check access in advance if needed.

Cycling and Hiking

The 14-kilometre ĐIRADA cycling route passes through Sveti Filip i Jakov, Sikovo, Gornje Raštane and Donje Raštane. The route information comes from the 2016–2020 municipal development programme. Check the current signage on site before planning your ride.

A route description from March 2021 identifies Matuljeva draga as a hiking and mountain-biking route that descends towards Sikovo. On some sections, different types of vegetation form natural “green tunnels”. If you plan to take this route, check the current trail markings and conditions locally.

The information highlights different features to help you choose: ĐIRADA focuses on its 14 kilometres and the places it passes through, while Matuljeva draga features a downhill route to Sikovo and green tunnels on some sections.

Cultural Landscape and Pršut

Sikovo lies amid fertile fields. Numerous olive groves are part of the cultural landscape and are owned by almost every family. Expansive green spaces seem to stretch all the way to Velebit. This landscape offers a different way to experience the village than its church, festival traditions and archaeological ruins.

A local report from March 2025 noted that pršut was still being dried in Sikovo and offered to tourists, although less often than in the past. If you would like to discover this food culture, ask locally whether an opportunity will be available during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gornje Raštane, Turanj, Sveti Petar Na Moru, Sveti Filip I Jakov

For the broader travel overview: Općina Sveti Filip I Jakov.