Both Klis and Sinj are nice day trips outside Split and Salona. Neither is a destination, but each has at least one feature worth seeking out.
Sinj's claim to fame is a 16th-century painting of the Virgin Mary (Sinjska Gospa) that is reputed to have miraculous properties. The painting by an unknown artist is in Our Lady of Sinj Church (Crkva Sinjska Gospa) at Setaliste Alojzije Stepanica 1, which is attached to the local Franciscan monastery. The friars brought the painting to Sinj from Bosnia in the late 17th century because even then it was said to channel miracles. The painting has particular meaning to the people of Sinj, who say it saved the town from the Turks in 1715 after the locals prayed to the icon to help them repel the invaders. Every August 15 on the feast of the Assumption of Mary, the town celebrates the miracle with a festival, during which the painting is paraded through town.
Sinj has a secondary celebration, Sinjska Alka, the first weekend in August to commemorate the above victory over the Turks. Sinjska Alka is more of a big block party than a commemoration and it is marked by medieval games that include jousting, costumes, and of course lots of food, drink, and music. For information, contact the Sinj Tourist Office in town at Vrlicka 41 (tel. 021/826-352; fax 021/660-360; www.dalmacija.net). Hours are 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday.
