The third edition of the Night of Fortresses has attracted a record number of locations, including the most significant and attractive fortified sites in Croatia, joined by fortresses and castles in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Ukraine.
The event, organized by the Fortress of Culture Šibenik and partners, will take place on May 10th at all locations simultaneously, featuring a variety of programs for visitors!
Participants have prepared diverse, educational, and entertaining activities at over 40 locations in eight countries this year. Rajhenburg Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Old Town of Bar, Pejačević Castle, Old Town Dubovac, the fortifications of Omiš, four Šibenik fortresses, Knin and Klis Fortress, are just some of the locations that have submitted their programs.
The event aims to enhance the cultural and touristic offerings in cities with fortified heritage in Europe and raise awareness about the potential and importance of cultural heritage valorization as a driver of cultural tourism development. This can be excellently seen in the example of Croatia, where the Night of Fortresses has brought together the most significant Croatian fortifications listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as St. Nicholas Fortress in Šibenik, Forte Fortress as part of Zadar's ramparts, and the Dubrovnik fortresses: Imperial, Revelin, St. John, and Lovrijenac. Additionally, this year's event includes the most beautiful Croatian castles and fortresses, recipients of the Golden Pin award given by Google based on user ratings and reviews on Google Maps. Trakošćan Castle, Veliki Tabor Manor, Old Town Ozalj, and Morosini-Grimani Castle are among them.
46 locations will simultaneously host programs on May 10th, which are particularly diverse this year and aimed at all generations. Since some of them have limited capacity, everyone can thoroughly inform themselves in advance about the programs that interest them and how to participate on the Night of Fortresses website.
In summary, the Night of Fortresses was first held three years ago, initially involving Croatian cities, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Since then, the event has expanded across Europe, uniting eight countries this year, enriching their cultural and touristic offerings in the pre-season.
The international recognition of the event is evident through the support of associations such as EFFORTS (European Federation of Fortified Sites) and FORTE CULTURA, which have included the Night of Fortresses in the European Fortress Summer Event. The Night of Fortresses event originated from the European project FORTITUDE and is now jointly implemented by the Šibenik Fortress of Culture, the City of Banja Luka, the City of Karlovac, the Municipality of Bar, the City of Trebinje, and the Municipality of Ulcinj.
