The history of St. Michael’s Fortress dates back to the late 11th or early 12th century when it was associated with the Benedictine Monastery of St. Michael. Originally, it served as a branch of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Krševan in Zadar, but over time, it gained autonomy and the Dominicans took over the fortress in 1570. However, very little is known about its appearance, except for the design of the church of St. Michael, documented in the drawings by Franjo Salghetti.
The fortress, as we see it today, was constructed by the Venetians in 1202, following the conquest and destruction of Zadar. Its irregular trapezoidal shape mirrors the contours of the hill’s summit. On the southern side, almost flat curtain walls are reinforced with rectangular corner towers and a bastion on the northeast corner.
The grand keep tower near the northern gate was demolished in 1948, along with the remains of the medieval Church of St. Michael, located in the center of the courtyard.
The natural beauty surrounding the fortress is truly remarkable. As you travel along the 3.5-kilometer road from the ferry port in Preko towards the summit of St. Michael’s Hill, you’ll be greeted by olive groves that gradually give way to wild vegetation and pine trees.
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