Historical and spatial analysis of Šibenik bunkers

Abstract

This paper provides a historical overview of the emergence and establishment of a new defensive system during the first half of 20th century within the area of the City of Šibenik. Numerous field surveys, archival research and various new documentation made in recent years resulted in comprehensive analysis which details the construction phases of Šibenik bunkers, their typology based on the appearance and function, as well as their current condition.The construction of bunkers represents the first serious investment in city’s fortifications since The War of Crete (1645-1669), when the bastion-type fortresses of St. John and Barone were made. The first ideas about investment in new and modernization of the existing Šibenik fortifications came in mid-19th century, when Šibenik, along with Pula and Kotor, was considered one of the three main military ports of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, the actual realization and the construction of bunkers, the new fortification elements which defended the city, occurred in the Interwar period and during the Second World War. Numerous bunkers around Šibenik were built during the first Italian occupation (1918-1921), the Kingdom of SHS/Yugoslavia (1921-1941), during the second Italian occupation (1941-1943) and during the German occupation (1943-1944). After the end of the Second World War, the army of Socialist Yugoslavia built a series of military barracks, often using existing bunker infrastructure, making Šibenik one of the most heavily fortified cities in the region. Some of the bunkers were also used during Croatian War for Independence (1991-1995), especially during the attack on Šibenik in September 1991.