IBENIK

Italian Sebenico, port in Croatia. It lies along the estuary of the Krka River formed as the latter flows into the Adriatic Sea. Linked by a rail line to Zagreb, ibenik is a coastal shipping station, with major exports of bauxite, timber, building stone, wines, and liqueurs. There is a shipyard, a ferrous-alloy plant, and an aluminum plant (at Lozovac). Electricity from Krka Falls powers an electrochemical plant. ibenik's tourist trade centres on the local beaches and the offshore islands of Prvic and Zlazin, resort areas without a local water supply. Although first documented in 1066, ibenik was probably founded earlier by Slav migrants. It was chartered in 1167 and until 1412 was fought over by Venice and Hungary-Croatia. After 1412, when Venice prevailed, ibenik grew and prospered despite unsuccessful assaults by the Turks. In 1797-1815 it became part of Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces, after which it was absorbed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, in 1918-21, it was Italian and then became part of Yugoslavia. Historically, the town has been distinguished for culture and scholarship. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Jakov (1431-1536) combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. The City Gates, Loggia, and several Renaissance houses are well preserved. St. Anne's Fortress (12th-13th centuries) overlooks the town from the north. Pop. (1981) 36,952.