Ugljan Island – St Michael Fortress reconstruction funds approved

From the program for the protection of immovable cultural property for 2021, the Ministry of Culture has allocated over 200,000 kuna to the Municipality for the reconstruction of the Fortress of St. Michael.

Mayor Jure Brižić commented on this topic:

Two years ago, the Municipality of Preko received from the Ministry of Culture 200,000 kuna for the archaeological research of the Fortress of St. Michael and we invested another 60,000 kuna from the budget. Last year, we also received 200,000 kuna and we set aside that much more from the budget. With the money now granted to us, we will continue our archaeological research and it is important to note that about 200 square meters have been explored so far. In total, according to the order of the conservator, about 700 square meters must be explored in order to bring everything to the medieval level. There is no deadline for performing this extremely demanding job, but we want to do it as soon as possible and that is why we apply to the Ministry of Culture every year. Our goal, which is why we have been to the relevant ministry several times, is to agree on a larger amount of funding.

Jure Brižić

Cultural sight

The fortress of St. Michael on Ugljan island is one of the most important cultural and tourist sights of the Zadar islands. It is included in the Register of Immovable Cultural Monuments and is on the list of protected cultural assets of the Republic of Croatia.

The head of the Municipality of Preko reminds that regular maintenance and cleaning works have been carried out in recent years. The wall of the north tower was repaired and archaeological excavations were carried out inside the fortress. A geodetic study and a geodetic survey of the fortress, as well as a conservation study and an architectural survey, were made.

The reconstruction of the fortress, Brižić reminds, is of exceptional importance for all the islands of the Zadar archipelago and the entire Zadar County. After everything is completed, the medieval castle should become an interpretation centre where the heritage of all the islands of Zadar will be presented.

As such, the fortress would be a tourist attraction and a place of cultural, educational, traditional, artistic and other events. The revitalization of this, in all respects exceptional and valuable facility, will contribute to the sustainable economic development of the island. Also, the promotion of cultural heritage, encouraging employment, development of cultural tourism and active tourism.

Source: Otoci.eu