Croatia has one of the most impressive concentrations of fortresses and fortified towns in the Mediterranean. Sitting at the crossroads of empires for centuries, the Croatian coastline and its hinterland were fought over by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and the Habsburgs — and the fortifications they built, expanded and defended still stand today in remarkable condition. From hilltop medieval castles to UNESCO listed sea fortresses, Croatia’s military heritage is genuinely extraordinary.
This collection covers the fortresses I have personally visited and filmed, spread across Dalmatia and beyond. The medieval Klis Fortress just 11 km from Split, which served as a filming location for Game of Thrones and offers sweeping views over the city and the plain. The UNESCO listed St. Nicholas Fortress guarding the entrance to the Šibenik channel, one of the finest examples of Renaissance military architecture in Europe. The iconic Dubrovnik Walls, the third most visited attraction in Croatia, which have protected the old city for centuries. The Španjola Fortress towering above Hvar Town, and the fortifications that define the old towns of Šibenik and Zadar. Each article comes with a YouTube video so you can see the fortresses in detail before you visit.
What makes Croatian fortresses particularly interesting is the variety. Some are standalone hilltop strongholds you drive up to and explore independently. Others are woven into the fabric of living towns — the walls of Dubrovnik and Zadar are part of the urban experience, not just ruins on a hillside. Several carry UNESCO status or are on the tentative list, reflecting just how significant this military architecture is on a European scale.
More fortresses are added to this collection as I continue visiting and filming locations across Croatia, so it is worth checking back.
Over the past 20+ years, I have been living in Croatia, and Hvar town is the place in Croatia where I have spent the most mini holidays (and lately, also longer holidays). Why do I enjoy visiting Hvar town? Well, living in Split, I of course have beaches and a
Šibenik is a fascinating town, often overlooked due to its lack of an airport. Nevertheless, I believe Šibenik is worth considering for a holiday or a day trip. In the video below, I showcase Šibenik’s Old Town, the green market, the fortress protecting the city, one of its UNESCO sites,
In the video below, I visit the UNESCO-listed St. Nicholas Fortress, a site I have had on my bucket list for many years. I have been to the fortress before, but only from the land side. This time, I actually entered the fortress and experienced it from the inside. The
Welcome to Zadar’s Old Town, a captivating peninsula on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast where history, culture, and modern charm intertwine. In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a walk through the Old Town, where we see the main sights, including the UNESCO listed city walls. We also visit the
https://youtu.be/DXD6srVzSrI In this video, I am going to show you the Dubrovnik Wall, the 3rd most visited place in Croatia after the Diocletian Palace in Split and the national park Plitvice Lakes. I hope my video convinces you to visit Dubrovnik and the Wall one day—they are truly unique. The
https://youtu.be/hCISSBgv22M Just 11 km from Split at about 350 meters above sea level, the Medieval Klis Fortress majestically overlooks Split, Solin, and the Klis Plain. Let me show you how the Fortress looks today. As a bonus, I will also show you the nearby Olive Museum. About Klis Fortress The
