As part of the GIFTSnet project (Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions), restoration works on a World War II tunnel began on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at St. John’s Fortress in Šibenik. The works are being carried out by the company Mar d.o.o., under the supervision of architect Marko Chiabov from March d.o.o., and will last nine months.
St. John's Fortress
It is assumed that the 70-meter-long tunnel was excavated by the German army in 1944. Located at the base of the fortress’s main wall, it runs north–south. The entrance is irregular, while the southern exit ends with a staircase and a concrete observation bunker overlooking Šibenik and its archipelago. Unlike many other tunnels from that period, it is not lined with concrete but carved directly into limestone rock.
The works include structural reinforcement, interior refurbishment, installation of lighting, and the introduction of safety measures for future use. The total investment amounts to EUR 292,686.65.
The restoration of the tunnel at St. John’s Fortress follows precisely this path. The conceptual architectural project was completed in 2024, and in the same year the Public Cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik secured funding for its implementation through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.
Instead of a classic historical exhibition, the future interpretation will take the form of an artistic and sensory installation based on light and sound, giving the space new value and meaning. St. John’s Fortress, revitalized between 2016 and 2022 with EU funds, will thus gain a new cultural content.
GIFTSnet project (Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions) started on 15 September 2024 and will run until 14 March 2027. The lead partner is the Public Cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, with partners: City of Banja Luka, Municipality of Bar, City of Karlovac, Public Institution Heritage Museum of Herzegovina Trebinje, and Municipality of Ulcinj. The total value amounts to EUR 2,244,442.80, of which 85% is co-financed under the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme.
Read more about why the interpretation and restoration of this WWII tunnel matter on our blog (
