Built in the 16th century to protect the city from the Turkish attacks from the sea, St. Nicholas' fortress is situated at the entrance to the St. Anthony's channel, the channel leading to the Šibenik city port.
The fortress was built according to plans made by Venetian military architect Hyeronimus di San Michaela and white stone as used for building the lower parts of the construction and brickfor the upper parts, as it was the most resilient to cannonballs.
It is one of the strongest maritime fortification structure on the Croatian part of the Adriatic sea. The fortress is a part of the chainof fortifications which protected the city in the past. St. Nicholas Fortress' as one of the Šibenik's most interesting tourist attractions, has opened its doors once again to visitors after a two-year-long renovation period!
UNESCO World Heritage
Did you know that the city of Šibenik is the only city in Croatia with two UNESCO World Heritage sites? With St. Nicholas fortress, the world-famous Cathedral of St. James is there too! In 2017. the fortress was added to the list as part of “Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da mar”.
Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas
The St. Nicholas Fortress got its name from the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholaswhich was demolished as it stood on the island Ljuljevac where the fortress was planned to be built. The decision was made on 30. April 1525. by captain Alojzije de Canal from Venice to built the fort there at the request of the Šibenik locals.
At the time of completion, it prevented the Turkish navy to enter the city all throughout the 16 century and it had 32 guns, but its appearance of might was stronger than the guns could ever be.
Visiting Fortress
During 2019. season it is possible to visit the fortress only by officialboatsdeparting from Šibenik. The two-hour visit includes the stunning and attractive boat ride though the Šibenik channel and the tour of the fort along with expert staff and multimedia guide.
The number of people per visit is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot on time! You can do it online or at the tickets sales stand at Šibenik promenade.
The fortress is one of the most valuable and best-preserved examples of defense architecture in Dalmatia! Check out villas in Šibenik, and visit this magnificent structure!