Its geographical position has given Šibenik a very important military and strategic role on the eastern coast of the Adriatic . Town walls, towers and fortresses had an essential role in the city's defense. They are, to the day, the best-preserved examples of the mentioned architecture. |
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| St Michael’s fortress |
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 It rises on a spot some 70 meters above sea level. Its size and appearance is characteristic of the period from XV to XVIII century. Remnants from prehistoric times (“iron period”) were found in its northeastern part. It is almost safe to say that Croats raised their fortress on an old Illyrian stronghold. It was severely damaged twice by explosions from its powder magazine (1663 and 1752) but it was later repaired and restored. |
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| City walls, towers and the city gate |
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The starting point of city walls was St Michael's fortress. The northern and southeastern sides of the walls surrounding the city (along with the towers and principal mainland side gate) were removed in 1864. Only fragments of it remain today: a segment of the northern side on Gorica, a minor portion of city walls near Poljana, a part of the wall leading through the park towards the coast and the remains of a bastion from XVII century behind “Krka“ hotel. A fortified double wall (Kvartir) descending from St Michael's fortress down to the coast is partially preserved. The western walls of Dolac were built in the XV century in order to protect the area from Turkish attacks. |
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| St Nicholas’ fortress |
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This fortress was built in the XVI century at the entrance to St Anthony's channel for protection against possible Turkish sea attacks on the port. It was built following Venetian military architect Sanmicheli's blueprints. It is one of the strongest fortifications on the Croatian side of the Adriatic . It had a very important role in defending the city against the Turkish invasions, particularly during Cyprus and Candian wars. |
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| St John’s fortress |
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It is located north from the city's historical center, on a hill 115 m high. It was built in 1646 (blueprints by Antonio Leni, Venetian military engineer). A long and hardfought battle took place there in 1647 when a Turkish pasha (Tekelija) attempted to take over the city. |
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| Šubićevac fortress |
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Built in 1646, a couple of hundred meters to the southeast of St John 's on a slightly lower position. It contributed significantly in the defense against Turkish invasion in1647.
For a long time it bore the name Degenfeld, after Šibenik's defense commander in 1647. |
