Baljci, Ružić

Baljci is a rural settlement located in the Dalmatian Hinterland region southeast of Knin within Šibenik-Knin County. The village sits on rolling terrain dotted with traditional houses and centered around two churches that anchor the community.

The settlement was founded in the 16th century when Turkish authorities relocated Vlach people from Eastern Herzegovina to this location, resettling them over the remains of a medieval village once called Suhovare. This migration established the community's distinct character and heritage.

The Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist from 1730 marks the center of village life and reflects the deep religious roots in this area. Alongside it stands a Greek Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, both shaping how residents connect to their faith and traditions.

The settlement is small and compact, making it easy to walk through, and sits in a rural hilly area with basic infrastructure. Visitors should prepare for rustic conditions and plan visits during warmer months when roads are most accessible.

Every year on July 7, former residents return for the celebration of Ivanjdan and reconnect with their roots, maintaining ties to members of the community scattered elsewhere. This tradition keeps the shared history and identity of the place alive.