St. Nicholas' Fortress - UNESCO heritage Croatia

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St. Nicholas' Fortress in Šibenik, as an integral part of the Venetian defense system made between the 15th and 17th century, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as of 2017. Located on the island of Ljuljevac at the entrance of St. Anthony Channel, it contributed to the protection of the port of Šibenik and the city itself. This example of classic Venetian construction isolated at sea, is recognized as an outstanding monument of architectural world heritage.

Constructed according to Giangirola Sanmicheli’s project the fortress is triangular in shape, rare for examples of defensive architecture of that time, and built of white stone and brick. The specialty of the fortress lies in the preservation of its original form and the rare ventures of Renaissance design it presents. The construction itself began in 1540 when the city of Skradin fell under Turkish rule, after which the Venetian Republic intervened in the protection of one of the most important cities on the Adriatic - Šibenik. Thus the Benedictine monastery of St. Nicholas on the islet was destroyed to make place for a fortification fortress of the same name. Perhaps because of the stable and menacing shape of the fort, or perhaps not, the fort never actually fulfilled its active defense function. The creation of the fort itself was sufficient protection.

Two years after entering the UNESCO World Heritage List, began the project of tourist valorization of the Fortress, which sought to enable tourist visits to the structure. Which is why today, after a long preparation, St. Nicholas’ Fortress is open to all interested visitors and lovers of unique examples of Renaissance architecture. Ljuljevac islet can be reached by boat from the Šibenik waterfront.

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Guest reviews


  • Excellent 4.8
    Piotr
    Family Austria
    07/07/2024
    A small island, you can cross it in one day,
    The only drawback is that there is only one store and it is expensive, but Konoba is very nice and the prices are bearable.
    Back to original
  • Very good 3.8
    Cilka
    Couple Slovenia
    24/07/2023
    calmly
    Total disconnection, clean sea...
    We missed the store and the inn.
    Back to original
  • Very good 3.4
    Zdenko
    Group of friends Hrvatska
    17/08/2020
    Great location for a peaceful vacation
    Unfortunately, it's shameful that we didn't get any, let alone a fiscalized bill anywhere, like in the store, bakery and inn, and the price of beer in the store is HRK 14.00. The man in the store acts like a sheriff and smokes in the store.
    Back to original
  • Excellent 5
    Tatjana
    Family Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
    12/09/2019
    positive evaluation
    we were very satisfied, quiet environment, great relaxation
    Back to original
  • Excellent 5
    Mateja
    Couple Slovenia
    18/08/2019
    Perfect vacation
    Everything was great as always.
    Back to original
  • Excellent 4.6
    ATTILÁNÉ
    Family Hungary
    04/07/2019
    Relaxed
    Friendly little island with nice people, no crowded place, perfect for relaxation, beautiful view of the surrounding islands, beautiful crystal clear sea water!
    Back to original
  • Fabulous 4.4
    Petr
    Family Czech Republic
    04/07/2019
    pretty
    a small island for a quiet holiday, beautiful sand beach, only a small shop, ferry accessibility to Trogir where there is history and shopping ..
    Back to original
  • Excellent 5
    Roman
    Family
    08/09/2018
    The most beautiful
    It is a beautiful little island, with crystal water, beautiful beaches and kind people.
    Back to original
  • Fabulous 4.4
    Lea
    Couple Slovenia
    23/08/2018
    Peace!
    Mali Drvenik is for those people who want to spend their holidays outside the civilization and have peace. There is almost nothing on the island itself, but we also do not need anything.
    Back to original
  • Fabulous 4.4
    Martin
    Family Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
    21/09/2016
    Maly - nice island, quiet environment, available 2 restaurants and mini-market. I recommend for those interested in relaxing in a private environment, without a lot of tourists in the vicinity and without shopping and coffee.
    On the island there is also a sandy reptile, with a length of about 70 meters, very fine sand, beautiful color - in the vicinity of the restaurant.
    This makes ferry availability and higher prices on the island (but I would still return to the island).
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10/0
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    St. Nicholas' Fortress - Recommended accommodation

    * prices for June 2025 based on the maximum capacity for a minimum stay of 7 days

    Apartment - Sibenik Apartments Diva From 150 €
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    • Guests rating: 4.9
    • Most recent reservation 7 days ago
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    • Persons: 2-4
    • Guests rating: 5.0
    • Most recent reservation 1 days ago
    House - Sibenik Villa Pamaroka From 571 €
    • Sibenik,
    • Persons: 1-8
    • Sibenik,
    • Persons: 1-2
    • Guests rating: 5.0
    • Most recent reservation 3 days ago

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