Built in the mid-1600s to protect Šibenik from Ottoman invasion, St John’s Fortress is now open to the public after a six-year renovation. One of four bastions surrounding the venerable Dalmatian city, St John’s was named after the church of the same name that had stood atop this vantage point for at least 200 years before the fortifications were constructed.
Built by Venetians under the expert guidance of Genoese engineer Antonio Leni, the feature indeed withstood a month-long Ottoman siege during the late summer of 1647.
Instructive features also just unveiled provide useful historical background, although many visitors will come for the stunning panorama alone. The fortress is open until 9pm daily, from 2pm on weekdays and from 9am at weekends.