Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
Fort of St. Nikola, Šibenik-Knin County
Location: Šibenik, Croatia
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Fort of St. Nikola is a historic fortress located in Šibenik-Knin County in Croatia. It is situated on a small island just off the coast of Šibenik and is accessible by boat. The fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the city against Turkish invasion and was later used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of the Fort of St. Nikola is its imposing stone walls and towers. The fortress is situated on a small island and is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can explore the fortress and its various levels, which offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area. The fort also houses a museum that showcases the history of the fortress and the region.
History: The Fort of St. Nikola was built in the 16th century by the Venetians to protect the city of Šibenik against Turkish invasion. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the fortress was used as a military base and was later abandoned after World War I. In the 1970s, the fortress was restored and opened to the public as a museum and tourist attraction.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Boat Tour: Visitors can take a boat tour from Šibenik to the fortress and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea along the way.
Museum: The fortress houses a museum that showcases the history of the fortress and the region. Children can learn about the history of the fortress and its importance in defending the city of Šibenik.
Exploration: Families can explore the various levels of the fortress and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area.
Fun Fact: The Fort of St. Nikola is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Venetian soldier who died during the construction of the fortress. Visitors have reported seeing a figure dressed in 16th-century clothing wandering through the fortress.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Fort of St. Nikola varies depending on the season. During the high season (April to October), the fee is 50 Croatian kuna (approximately 7 euros) per person for adults and 25 Croatian kuna (approximately 3.5 euros) per person for children aged 5-18. Children under 5 years old can enter for free. During the low season (November to March), the fee is reduced to 30 Croatian kuna (approximately 4 euros) per person for adults and 15 Croatian kuna (approximately 2 euros) per person for children aged 5-18.
How to Reach It: The Fort of St. Nikola is located on a small island just off the coast of Šibenik.
Visitors can reach Šibenik from Zagreb or Split by:
By Car: The cathedral is easily accessible by car, with a well-maintained road network connecting it to major cities in Croatia.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect major cities in Croatia with Šibenik. The journey takes about 4 hours from Zagreb and 1.5 hours from Split.
By Train: There is a train station located in Šibenik, which is served by several trains per day from Zagreb and Split.
Visitors can reach the fortress by:
Boat: The fortress is accessible by boat from Šibenik. There are several boat tours that depart from the city center and take visitors to the fortress. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
Kayak: Visitors can also reach the fortress by kayak. There are several kayak rental companies in Šibenik that offer tours to the fortress.
Private Boat: Visitors can also reach the fortress by private boat.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Šibenik, including:
Next Stop: The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Fort of St. Nikola is a historic fortress located in Šibenik-Knin County in Croatia. It is situated on a small island just off the coast of Šibenik and is accessible by boat. The fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the city against Turkish invasion and was later used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of the Fort of St. Nikola is its imposing stone walls and towers. The fortress is situated on a small island and is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can explore the fortress and its various levels, which offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area. The fort also houses a museum that showcases the history of the fortress and the region.
History: The Fort of St. Nikola was built in the 16th century by the Venetians to protect the city of Šibenik against Turkish invasion. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the fortress was used as a military base and was later abandoned after World War I. In the 1970s, the fortress was restored and opened to the public as a museum and tourist attraction.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Boat Tour: Visitors can take a boat tour from Šibenik to the fortress and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea along the way.
Museum: The fortress houses a museum that showcases the history of the fortress and the region. Children can learn about the history of the fortress and its importance in defending the city of Šibenik.
Exploration: Families can explore the various levels of the fortress and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area.
Fun Fact: The Fort of St. Nikola is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Venetian soldier who died during the construction of the fortress. Visitors have reported seeing a figure dressed in 16th-century clothing wandering through the fortress.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Fort of St. Nikola varies depending on the season. During the high season (April to October), the fee is 50 Croatian kuna (approximately 7 euros) per person for adults and 25 Croatian kuna (approximately 3.5 euros) per person for children aged 5-18. Children under 5 years old can enter for free. During the low season (November to March), the fee is reduced to 30 Croatian kuna (approximately 4 euros) per person for adults and 15 Croatian kuna (approximately 2 euros) per person for children aged 5-18.
How to Reach It: The Fort of St. Nikola is located on a small island just off the coast of Šibenik.
Visitors can reach Šibenik from Zagreb or Split by:
By Car: The cathedral is easily accessible by car, with a well-maintained road network connecting it to major cities in Croatia.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect major cities in Croatia with Šibenik. The journey takes about 4 hours from Zagreb and 1.5 hours from Split.
By Train: There is a train station located in Šibenik, which is served by several trains per day from Zagreb and Split.
Visitors can reach the fortress by:
Boat: The fortress is accessible by boat from Šibenik. There are several boat tours that depart from the city center and take visitors to the fortress. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
Kayak: Visitors can also reach the fortress by kayak. There are several kayak rental companies in Šibenik that offer tours to the fortress.
Private Boat: Visitors can also reach the fortress by private boat.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Šibenik, including:
- Heritage Hotel Life Palace - This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Šibenik's historic center, just a short walk away from the fort. It features beautifully appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Bellevue - This family-run hotel is situated on a hill overlooking Šibenik and the Adriatic Sea, offering panoramic views. It features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a terrace restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Apartment Marinero - This modern apartment is located in the center of Šibenik, just a few steps away from the fort. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, and a balcony with views of the city.
- Apartments Mare - These cozy apartments are located in the historic center of Šibenik, just a short walk away from the fort. They feature comfortable bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a terrace with views of the town.
- D-Resort Šibenik - This luxury resort is situated on the waterfront, overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea. It features stylish rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a spa center with a sauna and hot tub.
Next Stop: The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik