Crkvica Sv. Šimuna

Crkvica Sv. Šimuna is an abandoned place, a ruin frozen mid collapse. Fascinating and photogenic, but go carefully and with respect.

What to know

Crkvica Sv. Šimuna stands in Kvarner, one of the six regions that make up the Croatia most visitors fall for. From the Adriatic shore to the karst mountains and the quiet inland valleys, this part of the country gives you something worth the detour.

Ruins are unstable. Do not climb on structures, watch for loose masonry and never go in alone. Many of these places are sites of difficult history, so move quietly and take nothing.

Practical info

• Entry: check the official site for today’s price and hours. These move with the seasons, and some locations close fully outside the main window.
• How to get there: Tap the map for the route. Croatian town parking is mostly paid and marked with blue P signs; if your trip involves an island, build buffer time in for the ferry.

When to go

The best window for Crkvica Sv. Šimuna runs May to October. June and September balance warmth and thinner crowds; July and August are busy and hot. Out of season, winter shows a calmer, cheaper Croatia that rewards the inland cities.

Photograph by John covers Croatia honestly. Every spot here is real, mapped and free to read. If this guide helped, pass it on to someone planning a trip.