St. Michael’s Fortress -Where it all Began
Built on a steep rocky hill above the channel, St. Michael’s Fortress has a dominant view over the scattered islands and the medieval town which has emerged from the Fortress itself and which celebrates its 950th anniversary this year. Throughout its turbulent history, the Fortress served as the main point of the city’s defence system. The oldest preserved parts are from the 13th century, but most of today’s walls and structures date from the 15th and 16th century.
Badly damaged throughout the centuries, the Fortress was renovated in 2014, when a new facility was added, the unique open-air stage. The renewed promenade on the ramparts of the Fortress and spectacular evening events once again made the Fortress a centre of the city of Šibenik and the region.
Enjoy an unforgettable sunset and a view of the Šibenik archipelago, sheltered by St. Michael, the patron of the city.
The Fortress of st. Nicholas
St. Nicholas’ Fortress is located at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel and was built in the middle of the 16th century as defense from Turkish attacks from the sea. It was built according to the designs of the Venetian military builder, Michele Sammichella. St. Nicholas’ Fortress (having a triangle shape) is one of the strongest forts on our coast.
The Fortress of St. John
St. John’s Fortress is located on a hill 115m high on the northern side of the historic city core. It was erected in 1646 according to a project by Venetian military engineer, Antonio Leni. A year later, in 1647, heavy battles were carried out against the army of the Turkish pasha, Tekeli, who wanted to take over the fortress in order to rule the city.
Barone Fortress – More than Reality
Barone Fortress was built by the citizens of Šibenik in 1646 in less than two months, in the wake of the arrival of the Ottoman army during the Cretan War. The works were supervised and organized by Baron von Degenfeld, the commander of the successful defence of Šibenik, after whom the grateful citizens of Šibenik later named the Fortress. This crucial event in the history of Šibenik can be relived today through digital content unique in this region. The technology of augmented reality on the Barone Fortress brings to life characters, sounds and sights of Šibenik of the 17th century.
The experience of bravery of the historic Šibenik is complemented by rustic, forgotten flavours of times past. Taste the rich regional cuisine in our gastronomic and cultural centre of the Mediterranean type – may your memories of Šibenik be those of authentic products of local family farms.
Walls, towers and city gates
The starting point of the old city walls was St. Michael’s Fortress. In 1864 part of the wall surrounding the city from the north and the south was removed. Today, only the northern side of the wall by Gorica remains, part of the wall through the park towards the shore, a small section of the wall near Poljana, as well as remains of a bulwark from the 17th century behind the Krka Hotel. The best preserved section is the double city wall which slopes from St. Michael’s Fortress towards the shore (Kvartir) and ends with the great Gothic gate. The western wall in Dolac with a city gate, which slopes from the fortress to the sea, was built in the 15th century so that Dolac could be protected from Turkish attacks.
