Jems
PCI Fortress of Culture Šibenik took part in the congress of the European FORTE CULTURA network called “From Cádiz to Europe: Fortifications and Sustainable Tourism”, held from 21 to 24 April 2026 in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain.
FORTE CULTURA is a European network of fortification sites that connects fortresses, historical defence systems, and institutions dedicated to the protection, promotion, and sustainable management of fortified heritage. Fortress of Culture has been an active member since 2019. The goal of the network is to encourage international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of sustainable cultural tourism through joint projects and initiatives.
The congress brought together fortress managers, representatives of public institutions, cultural heritage experts, researchers, and members of international networks who work together on the preservation and sustainable management of fortified heritage. Special focus was placed on sharing experiences, examples of good practice, and developing new models of cooperation among European sites.
As part of the GIFTSnet project, implemented through the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme, Fortress of Culture presented the Night of Fortresses Goes Green event as an example of successful connection between cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and active involvement of the local community.
The event was presented by Đurđa Vrljević Šarić, Head of the International Cooperation and Projects Department at Fortress of Culture, who highlighted how important it is to connect fortification sites and create joint programmes that bring cultural heritage closer to people.
During the congress, the fifth edition of the Night of Fortresses event was also announced. It will take place on 8 and 9 May 2026, and European sites were invited to join this initiative that promotes sustainable tourism, preservation of cultural heritage, and active community participation.
The development of the GIFTS network was also presented, focused on knowledge exchange, strengthening cooperation among partners, and developing sustainable models for managing fortified heritage. The network brings together partners from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro with the goal of joint development of cultural tourism and stronger international cooperation.
The GIFTSnet project is financed through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme and lasts 30 months. Along with Tvrđava kulture Šibenik as the lead partner, the project is implemented by City of Karlovac, City of Banja Luka, Museum of Herzegovina Trebinje, Municipality of Bar, and Municipality of Ulcinj.
The project is focused on strengthening sustainable and inclusive development of cultural tourism through improving the management of fortified heritage, knowledge exchange among partners, and developing joint models of cooperation at the international level. Through GIFTSnet, the international network of fortification sites is also being further developed, with the goal of long-term connection between cultural heritage, local communities, and sustainable tourism development.
