Croatia part of Europe’s Night of Fortresses

St. Michael’s Fortress in Šibenik

ZAGREB, 7 May (Hina) – The fifth Night of Fortresses event on 8–9 May will feature around 70 sites in 11 European countries with 220 programmes, focusing this year on sustainability and social inclusion.

In Šibenik, the highlight is the programme “Fortresses Tear Down Walls“, developed with disability associations to promote inclusion.

Event director Gorana Barišić Bačelić said the “green“ aspect of the event goes beyond environmental issues to include the social dimension, particularly inclusiveness.

The programme includes inclusive tours organised with associations of blind and deaf persons, the Aurora NGO and the local Social Inclusion Centre.

Project official Đurđa Vrljević Šarić noted that people with disabilities make up about 17% of Croatia’s population, making heritage accessibility a priority.

Alongside tours at all four Šibenik fortresses, Barone Fortress will host a round table on accessibility and an inclusive fashion show by designer Karmen Herceg.

Barone Fortress (Photo credit: Lady Ivy/CC BY-SA 4.0)

The environmental aspect is strengthened through cooperation with the county nature conservation authority, with activities at St. Anthony’s Channel Visitor Centre and St. Nicholas Fortress, plus 14 clean-up and greening campaigns across Europe.

Deputy mayor Danijel Mileta said the event confirms Šibenik’s direction as a city that successfully values and presents its cultural heritage.

Programmes across 11 countries range from guided tours, workshops and lectures to exhibitions and music, sports, gastronomic and medieval-themed events, aiming to bring fortification heritage closer to all generations.