Jems
At fortresses and heritage sites in Šibenik, Karlovac, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bar and Ulcinj, Night of Fortresses Goes Green 2026 brought together partners, local communities and visitors around a shared idea – how to bring cultural heritage closer to the public in a sustainable, inclusive and contemporary way. The video captures the atmosphere of the event, as well as the story of cooperation developed through the GIFTSnet project, connecting cities and institutions from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The GIFTSnet – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions project is implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, which supports cross-border cooperation and the joint development of partner areas. Through the project, partners from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro work together to strengthen the role of fortified heritage in sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism.
The 2026 edition of Night of Fortresses Goes Green is the second time the manifestation has been organized within the GIFTSnet project, building on the successful 2025 edition. The experience gained during the first implementation became a foundation for further programme development, new ideas and stronger cooperation among partners. In 2026, the manifestation continues to grow as a shared platform connecting heritage sites, local communities, cultural programmes, inclusion and green practices.
Behind the public events lies a wider process of learning and knowledge exchange. Through joint workshops, study visits and partner meetings, GIFTSnet partners exchange knowledge on sustainable event management, responsible use of cultural heritage infrastructure, inclusive tourism and improved visitor experience. These activities help partners develop new skills, test new approaches and apply good practices in their own cities and institutions.
Inclusion is also an important part of the project. By opening fortified heritage to different groups of visitors and encouraging the participation of local communities and vulnerable social groups, the partners aim to make cultural heritage more accessible, relevant and connected to everyday life.
Night of Fortresses Goes Green 2026 shows how fortresses can be more than monuments of the past. They can become places of meeting, learning, creativity and cooperation. Through the GIFTSnet project, partners are creating a shared space for dialogue, sustainability and joint development of the cross-border area.
The GIFTSnet project is implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027. The project runs from 15 September 2024 to 14 March 2027, and the lead partner is the Public Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik.
Project partners:
Public Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik
City of Karlovac
City of Banja Luka
Public Institution Museum of Herzegovina Trebinje
Municipality of Bar
Municipality of Ulcinj
