The final conference of the FORTIC project (From remains Of the war to the aRchiTecture of peace in cross-border area of Italy-Croatia) took place in Pula on 15 September 2026. It presented the results of cooperation between Croatian and Italian partners in the preservation, management and contemporary interpretation of fortified heritage.
FORTIC is the first project in which Fortress of Culture Šibenik has participated under the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme. The project has enabled us to build new partnerships and bring together research, strategic planning, staff training, digital interpretation, sustainable tourism and inclusion.
The conference brought together experts, representatives of partner institutions and other stakeholders from Croatia, Italy and across Europe. The panel discussions and presentations addressed the conservation and revitalisation of fortifications, sustainable tourism and reducing seasonality, community involvement and the use of digital tools in heritage interpretation.
Fortress of Culture Šibenik contributed to sessions focusing on participatory governance, community involvement, digital interpretation and universal accessibility.
Đurđa Vrljević Šarić, Head of the International Cooperation and Projects Department at Fortress of Culture Šibenik, joined a panel discussion on strengthening participatory governance and community ownership through cooperation among different stakeholders. The panel also included Paola Orlić, Head of the Administrative Department for Culture and Civil Society of the City of Pula, and Irina Belušić Maggi, architect and member of the ATRIUM Scientific Committee. The discussion explored how local communities and other stakeholders can take a more active role in the management and development of cultural heritage.
Vera Jergović, FORTIC communications lead at Fortress of Culture Šibenik and International Coordinator for the Night of Fortresses Goes Green event, presented “Best Practice in the Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups”. The presentation formed part of the session on innovation, digital interpretation and universal accessibility. She presented the work of Fortress of Culture Šibenik in the field of inclusion, ranging from staff training and cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities to the co-creation of programmes and the adaptation of digital content. The presentation highlighted the “Tvrđave ruše zidove - Fortresses Break Down Barriers” programme and the multimedia guide “Spies Amid the Siege: Šibenik 1647”, both developed with the support of the FORTIC project.
It also presented the Institution’s strategic development through FORTIC. As part of the project, the Institute for Development and International Relations – IRMO prepared the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study of the Fortress of Culture Šibenik, 2014–2024 and the Integrated Strategic Plan of the Fortress of Culture Šibenik until 2030.
Although the project is coming to an end, the cooperation established between the Croatian and Italian partners will continue. The knowledge gained, content developed and partnerships created through FORTIC will support the future management and interpretation of fortified heritage. The international Night of Fortresses event will provide an important platform for further cooperation.
The full conference recording is available on YouTube.
The FORTIC project – “From Remains of the War to the Architecture of Peace in the Cross-Border Area of Italy–Croatia” runs from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2026 under the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027, Priority 4 – Culture and tourism for sustainable development, Specific Objective 4.1 – Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation.
The Lead Partner is the City of Pula-Pola. The project partners are Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Public Cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Municipality of Cervia, Municipality of Vieste and City of Korčula. The total project budget is €2,135,773.60.
