Gorica’s own cultural heritage includes the Church of St. John the Baptist, which is classified as a protected cultural asset, and the remains of graves near the village, which are considered an archaeological site. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish these Gorica-related sites from the other themes covered by the wider destination of Općina Sukošan. There, the focus is on its own historic buildings, cultural traditions and activities.

Archaeology and contemporary history

Near Sukošan is Gradina Vrčevo, a multi-period archaeological site associated with an important Liburnian centre. It was continuously inhabited from the Middle Bronze Age until the end of the Early Iron Age. Its association with an important centre and its long period of habitation reveal different aspects of the site: its historical context and the depth of its use over time.

Culture and history in the wider destination of Općina Sukošan

The parish church of St. Cassian in Sukošan has been mentioned since 1396 and may have already existed in the 9th or 10th century. It acquired its present appearance in 1642. The church features pre-Romanesque sculptural fragments and a prominent gable from an altar screen, probably dating from the mid-11th century or slightly earlier. Thus, later architectural features and much older fittings coexist in the same building.

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

The Filipi boatyard has been in Sukošan since 1932. Today, the fifth generation of kalafati (traditional boatbuilders) runs the boatyard and preserves the boatbuilding tradition, which is recognised as intangible cultural heritage. At the Ispod Kampanela klapa gathering in Sukošan, renowned klapa groups perform poems in the local dialect as well as klapa songs.

The Feast of St. Cassian is celebrated on 13 August in Sukošan and Debeljak. In Sukošan, a procession around the old town centre follows the Mass, with fireworks over the sea. Details of the annual programme may vary; check them before travelling.

Routes and activities

In the wider destination of Općina Sukošan, the fitness trail across Tustica includes a 6.6-kilometre circular route and a 2-kilometre route along the Tustica ridge. There are two rest stops along the way. The route lengths provide a practical guide when choosing between the shorter ridge route and the longer circuit.

Other activity-related options in the wider destination of Općina Sukošan include three signposted cycling routes by Zadar Bike Magic. A section of the Camino Zadar also passes through the Sukošan destination and is part of the European Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route network.

Discover other destinations: Sukošan, Debeljak.

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Sukošan.