Tvrđava sv. Ivana
Star-shaped fortress from 1646 above Šibenik with restored ramparts, an underground educational space and a view of the town and the islands.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Fortress of St John (Tvrđava sv. Ivana) was built in 1646, at the same time as the Barone Fortress, on a hill above Šibenik. Both were built during the Cretan War, and together they played an important role in the defence of the town in 1647, when a large attack by the Ottoman army was repelled.
The fortress consists of the fortified southern part, the so-called star (zvijezda), and an outer fortification to the north, the so-called pincers (kliješta), beneath which an underground educational space has been arranged. The ramparts have been restored, and the works were completed in 2022. The fortress also has a Second World War bunker of the Ringstand, or Tobruk, type.
Today the fortress is open to visitors, who can climb onto the ramparts, look around the site and enjoy the view of the town, the sea and the islands; a visit in the “golden hour” before sunset is recommended. In summer a souvenir shop operates in a former gunpowder store in the “Zvijezda” section.
Highlights
- Restored ramparts (works completed in 2022)
- Star-shaped southern part and the outer fortification “kliješta” (pincers)
- Underground educational space
- Second World War bunker
- View of the town, the sea and the islands
- Operated by
- Javna ustanova u kulturi Tvrđava kulture Šibenik
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6.50pupils and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Children up to 7 years enter free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Persons with disabilities and one companion enter free of charge with a valid public document (national or European) issued by the Agency for Culture and Documentation. |
| Students & apprentices | €6.50Pupils and students. |
| Groups | –Organised groups pay a price agreed in advance; registration at citypoint@tvrdjava-kulture.hr. |
| Families | €23.50The family ticket applies to parents or guardians and children up to 18 years. |
| Combined ticket for three fortresses, adults (1 November to 28 February) | €15 |
| Combined ticket for three fortresses, pupils and students (1 November to 28 February) | €8.50 |
| Combined family ticket for three fortresses (1 November to 28 February) | €33 |
| Guided tour for groups, one fortress (St Michael or Barone) | €20In Croatian or English, by prior arrangement. |
| Guided tour for groups, St Michael and Barone | €35In Croatian or English, by prior arrangement. |
From 26 March to 31 October: adults €11.50, pupils and students €7.50, family €28. From 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027: adults €10, pupils and students €6.50, family €23.50; combined ticket for three fortresses €15 (adults), €8.50 (pupils and students), €33 (family).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The toilets in the “star” and “pincers” sections are adapted for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €23.50 · The family ticket applies to parents or guardians and children up to 18 years. |
Children up to 7 years enter free of charge.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The fortress has no car park of its own. The nearest is the free car park along the ramparts of the Barone Fortress, open during the Barone Fortress's opening hours. Additional spaces are on the north-eastern slope towards Šubićevac and in the town car parks on Težačka Street and Put Gimnazije.
The fortress has one entrance and exit on the southern side, next to the access road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
In summer a souvenir shop operates in a former gunpowder store in the “Zvijezda” section.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Workshops “Moja tvrđava znanja” (My Fortress of Knowledge) are held for school groups (by reservation). Dogs are allowed on a leash; drones are prohibited in the Šibenik fortresses. |
