The settlement of Stankovci was established in the Middle Ages below Velim Fortress. Prehistoric hillforts, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the quiet Nijemo kolo and the Vinkovo wine tradition give the town several historical and cultural points of interest.
Historical Layers in Stankovci
In the 16th century, Stankovci was a setting for Venetian-Ottoman conflicts. From 1546 until the beginning of the Morean War in 1684, the town was under Ottoman rule. In 1747, a new Catholic parish was established in Stankovci within the Diocese of Skradin. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1885; the Church of St. Mary in the cemetery is an important cultural monument.
The prehistoric hillfort settlement of Velika Gradina is located in Stankovci. The wider destination of Općina Stankovci is also home to the Ogradak hillfort. Ogradak was generally used for observation or defence. The wider destination of Općina Stankovci is also home to the remains of Velim Castle, situated on a hill. They form a rectangular fortification with the remains of two towers, an older one and a later one. The castle was destroyed and burned down in 1684.
Nijemo kolo and Folklore
Nijemo kolo is performed without musical accompaniment. The Stankovci version of this silent circle dance is called “Kolanje”; it is considered a marker of local identity and is increasingly passed down from generation to generation through cultural associations. The KUD “VINAC” from Stankovci is associated with the silent kolo of the Dalmatian hinterland.
The folklore event “Stankovci, milo selo pod gradinom” also has a local connection: the traditional event takes place in Stankovci, and numerous cultural and artistic associations from all over Croatia take part. The 2023 edition was the 21st, and the 2025 edition was the 23rd. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for the relevant edition.
Wine Tradition and Vinkovo
Growing grapevines is an agricultural activity in Stankovci. Vinkovo is a recurring wine-tasting tradition centred on Northern Dalmatian wines. The 29th edition took place on January 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the cultural centre in Stankovci. This specific date is in the past; if Vinkovo is important to your travel plans, check the date for the relevant edition.
Nature Around Stankovci
Vransko jezero Nature Park is located near Stankovci. Its birdlife includes 256 species, 102 of which nest in the park. The nature park also offers a 40-kilometre cycling route around the lake. Birdlife and a longer cycling trip are therefore different options to consider when planning a trip. If you plan to cycle the route, check the current conditions in advance.
Općina Stankovci and Road Orientation
Općina Stankovci is located near the sea and Vransko jezero Nature Park; its southwestern boundary runs along the shore of the lake. The municipality includes the Natura 2000 site HR2001361 “Ravni kotari”, which serves to protect species and habitats. The area of Vransko jezero Nature Park within the municipality is protected under Croatian nature conservation law.
For road orientation, county road ŽC6068 connects Stankovci with Pirovac. The A1 motorway runs along the northern edge of Općina Stankovci. Within Općina Stankovci, state road D27 connects Gračac, Zaton Obrovački and Benkovac with Stankovci and Šibenik. Check the current route before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Bila Vlaka, Banjevci.
Return to the overview of the wider destination: Općina Stankovci.
