The model of the Old Town of Dubovac has been placed at St. John's Fortress in Šibenik as a result of the long-term cooperation between Šibenik Fortress of Culture and the City of Karlovac on projects within the Interreg Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro cross-border cooperation program. This collaboration began in 2020 with the FORTITUDE project, focused on the preservation and valorization of fortification heritage, during which the model was created.
The cooperation continued through the GIFTSnet project, which emphasizes innovative approaches to cultural tourism and the networking of cultural destinations. The project aims to strengthen partnerships through joint strategies for the dissemination and promotion of cultural heritage, with a particular focus on sustainability and inclusivity. The continuation of this collaboration is further confirmed through the Night of Fortresses Goes Green event, which will take place on Friday, May 9, under the slogan Step by Step, Event by Event.
"By connecting Karlovac and Šibenik through the FORTITUDE and GIFTSnet projects, as well as the Night of Fortresses Goes Green initiative, we are creating strong foundations for long-term sustainability and enhancing the international recognition of cultural tourism in the region," said Kata Žganjer, GIFTSnet project manager.
The model was crafted by Srećko Radelić, and its production was highly demanding as everything was made by hand. The 1:50 scale model is made of wood, plastic, epoxy resin, and pressed cardboard. Its purpose is to provide visitors with a realistic perception of the size and structure of the Old Town of Dubovac, which cannot be fully appreciated in person. The historical significance of the Old Town of Dubovac, the oldest monument in Karlovac, is further emphasized through this model, allowing visitors to St. John's Fortress to gain insight into the rich heritage and cultural importance of Karlovac County.
The Old Town of Dubovac is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful examples of feudal architecture in Croatia and is open to the public year-round. More about its rich history can be found on the official website: https://mgk.hr/stari-grad-dubovac/stari-grad/.
This initiative demonstrates how EU projects can contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, strengthen interregional connections, and support the sustainable development of cultural tourism.
Visitors to St. John's Fortress can view the model in the Educational Campus area during the fortress's opening hours.
