Fortified sites across Europe will come to life on Friday, May 9, as part of the fourth edition of the Night of Fortresses, which this year introduces a green component under the new name Night of Fortresses Goes Green. This year’s theme focuses on strengthening the connection between nature and society, human development, culture and art, grounded in the values of equality, inclusion, fairness, and sustainable development.
The goals and vision of this year’s Night of Fortresses Goes Green, as well as the Šibenik program, were presented today at a press conference at Barone Fortress by the Director of the Šibenik Fortress of Culture, Gorana Barišić Bačelić, Director of the Public Institution Nature of the Šibenik-Knin County, Anita Babačić Ajduk, Head of the International Cooperation and Projects Department of the Fortress of Culture, Đurđa Vrljević Šarić, and Mayor of Šibenik, Željko Burić.
“Inspiration comes from the need for sustainable development through the preservation of cultural heritage. This year’s edition brings a new challenge—to raise awareness among visitors about sustainable tourism and ecological practices, encourage active participation in environmental protection, and promote cultural heritage as a key element of sustainable development,” explained Gorana Barišić Bačelić, Director of the Fortress of Culture—the public cultural institution that is the originator and main coordinator of the event at the European level. She added: “Our motivation for launching this event arose from the desire to connect fortified sites across Europe, transforming them into dynamic centers of cultural exchange and collaborative creation.”
“This year, Night of Fortresses will be held at 70 locations in 10 European countries. Compared to last year, we see a growth in both participants and activities—with as many as 182 diverse events, including workshops, guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and environmental actions. Over half of these programs come from Croatia, which is not surprising given that the event was initiated by the Fortress of Culture Šibenik. We’re very pleased that Night of Fortresses has been recognized and supported by so many domestic organizers who, like us, are now bringing it to life for the fourth year in a row,” said Đurđa Vrljević Šarić, Head of the Department for International Cooperation and Projects at Fortress of Culture Šibenik.
This year, the Public Institution Nature of the Šibenik-Knin County is once again taking part in the event with a two-day program:
“I’m especially pleased with this year’s theme—sustainability—which is something our institution promotes daily through our work. This topic is particularly important in tourist areas, and I believe that tourism development in our city is headed in the right direction, with a clear focus on sustainability. This year we’ve created a two-day program. On the first day, Friday, educational workshops will be held at the St. Anthony Channel Visitor Center, with free admission, and students from music schools in Šibenik and Omiš will perform a concert in the amphitheater. On Saturday, a free daytime tour and guided visit will be organized at St. Nicholas Fortress,” said Anita Babačić Ajduk, Director of the Public Institution Nature of the Šibenik-Knin County.
“The Night of Fortresses initiative originated right here in Šibenik, and I’m extremely proud that the long-term restoration of our fortification heritage has become an inspiration and model for other communities to recognize the value of their own heritage and guide it toward a sustainable future. On Europe Day, May 9, it’s especially important to highlight Šibenik as a modern, European, and cultural city that demonstrates leadership in positive change through its care for heritage and a clear development vision,” concluded Željko Burić, Mayor of Šibenik.
The program at Šibenik’s mainland fortresses includes a concert by the band Psihomodo Pop at St. Michael’s Fortress, a children’s play and presentation of the Lexicon of Croatian Fortresses at Barone Fortress, as well as a capture-the-flag game, a showcase of the Ajmo lokalno initiative, sunset yoga, and a children’s sleepover at St. John’s Fortress. A special Silver Walk was designed for senior citizens.
All programs within Night of Fortresses Goes Green are free of charge, and the full schedule is available on the official website.
Let us remind you that Night of Fortresses Goes Green is part of two EU-funded projects led by the Šibenik Fortress of Culture:
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GIFTSnet – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions – funded through the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme, and
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FORTIC – From remains Of the war to the aRchiTecture of peace in cross-border area of Italy-Croatia, funded through Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027.
