Zadar, city-fortress, 1243

Zadar has always been a city-fortress, and in this fortress many other fortresses have been built. Among them, an important one is situated on the North-Western point of the peninsula - Kaštel, built in 1243 by the Venetians for the crew that was controlling the city under siege. Always mistrustful towards rebellious people of Zadar, the Venetians have thoroughly baffled Kaštel, dug a defensive tunnel around it and by destroying all the houses around, created an immense empty space. Even when they definitely took over the city, in 1414 they added another octagonal tower and deepened the tunnel. Another three draw-wells were created in 1572 and 1574 when Kaštel became a defensive bulwark against the Turks and the tunnel became a reservoir for water supplies.

Curiosities