Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17018/portal.2019.2
Double Rampart (Strada del Soccorso) in Šibenik: Function, Valorisation and Presentation
Darka Bilić
orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-1322
; Institute of Art History, Cvito Fisković Centre, Split, Croatia
Krasanka Majer Jurišić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3157-9230
; Croatian Conservation Institute, Section for Immovable Heritage Documentation, Zagreb, Croatia
Josip Pavić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2549-381X
; Fortress of Culture Šibenik, Croatia
Abstract
At the beginning of the 15th century, the Republic of Venice quickly started rebuilding existing fortifications and constructing new ones in order to secure military and political dominance in the cities that resisted its rule. In Šibenik, the Republic placed its garrison in the medieval citadel above the city and connected it to the coast in the bay of Šibenik with a fortified passage, a road of salvation, planning to use it for reinforcements in case of a siege, or for the garrison’s retreat in the event it fell into enemy hands. The road of salvation was built in the form of a double rampart, and had a tower at the entrance, and another one that divided the passage into two parts. Even though it was never used for the purpose it was originally built for, communication through the double rampart could take place on two levels: the stairs and ramps on the ground, and over the walkway at the top of two parallel wall claddings. The road of salvation in Šibenik is the only known example in Dalmatian fortification architecture. There are no other examples of a road of salvation of this size with defined dimensions and form on the Dalmatian coast, and with almost all preserved elements. According to the available data, its form is unique amongst the fortifications of the Republic of Venice, some of which have recently received the status of world heritage site. Therefore, when restoring and presenting this monument, it is important to bear in mind not to violate its unity, historical identity and clarity of various forms of design, especially the interesting and unique communication on two different levels, original functions and materials. The road of salvation in Šibenik is extremely valuable for the history of fortifications and architecture in Dalmatia in general, Croatian cultural heritage, and, in a broader context, for the history of fortifications in the Republic of Venice.
Keywords
road of salvation; strada del soccorso; military architecture; 15th century; Republic of Venice; double rampart
Hrčak ID:
231761
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2019.
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