St. Nicholas Fortress

St Nicholas Fortress was built in the mid-16th century on the islet of Ljuljevac at the entrance to St Anthony’s Channel. Venice constructed it to defend Šibenik, its harbour, the Krka delta and the approach to Skradin from attacks by sea; work began in 1540 to a design by Gian Girolamo Sanmicheli. It is the only Venetian military fortification completely surrounded by water. Its distinctive features include a rare triangular plan, cannon openings, demi-bastions and a torion lined with embrasures. Since 2017, it has formed part of UNESCO’s World Heritage-listed Venetian Works of Defence. A visit reveals Renaissance military design shaped by artillery warfare.