Sinj, Croatia
In 1715, about 700 people of Cetina, together with a number of Franciscan monks bearing a picture of the Mother of Grace, took refuge in Grad, the fortress above the present town, from an Ottoman army comprising ten thousand soldiers, who began a ferocious attack on 14 August. After three hours of furious assault, during which the Franciscans and the people prayed before the picture of the Mother of Grace, the all-conquering Turkish army suddenly and inexplicably took flight. On August 15th the Turkish army fled towards Bosnia leaving behind 10,000 dead soldiers while on the croatian side only 39 people lost their lives.Witnesses said that a white lady illuminated by a vast light had appeared before the besieging soldiers. It is believed to this day that Our Lady achieved a great victory over the invading hordes.
After their victory people of Sinj and surrounding area collected 80 golden duckets to crown the VIRGIN MARY with the golden crown on the 22nd of September 1716.
In honour of that great and miraculous triumph, a famous and unique knightly game, the Sinjska alka, (tilting at the ring) is held every year. Sinj and Cetinska Krajina represent an interesting tourist area, and the major attraction, for which the town is known at home and abroad, is certainly the traditional Tilters Tournament of Sinj (Alka). It takes place every year on the first Sunday in August to commemorate the victory over the Turkish army in 1715. The tilters, dressed in the traditional costumes, ride on horseback in full gallop, trying to thrust a ring (alka), hanging from a wire, with a lance.The tilter who scores the highest number of points (punat) is declared victor. Many tourists from Croatia and abroad visit the Tilters Tournament every year.
The shrine of Our Lady of Sinj was renovated in 1721 and its present form dates from 1771, after it was restored following an earthquake. Four chapels were built on the lateral sides of church which are connected to the shrine via three doors, where believers make confession. Next to the shrine there is a 43.5 metre-high steeple, built between 1896 and 1927. In the shrine, next to which there is a Franciscan monastery housing a Classical Grammar school, there are many valuable works of art produced by Croatian visual artists.
The most important pilgrimage occurs on Assumption Day, when many people arrive on foot, some even travelling barefoot. This is why in the town of Sinj, the feast day of the Great Lady Mary (Velika Gospa) on 15th August, is always particularly cherished and celebrated. So many cases have been reported of people receiving succour from the Madonna of Sinj (Sinjske Gospe), and many people suffering from various diseases have been miraculously healed. The people of Sinj and the Cetina district have presented a wreath comprising 12 silver stars to their patroness as a token of their gratitude and love.
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