Barone Fortress

Barone was built in 1646 on the hill of Vidakusa above Sibenik in about two months, put up in a hurry as an Ottoman army approached, and named after Baron Christoph Martin von Degenfeld who directed the work; the siege came the following year and the town held. It is a star-shaped earth and stone work rather than a masonry castle. Restored and reopened in 2016, it now uses augmented reality: visitors are given tablets that overlay reconstructions and figures onto the walls as they walk, which is either the most engaging part of the visit or a gimmick depending on temperament. There is a cafe on the terrace with a long view.

What you actually see

• A fortress built in two months - raised in 1646 against a siege.
• A star-shaped earth and stone work - not a masonry castle.
• Augmented reality on tablets - reconstructions overlaid on the walls.
• A terrace with a long view - over Sibenik and the channel.

When to go

April to October; the AR equipment is available in opening hours. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Tablets can be in limited supply at busy times and the content is short. The walk up from town is steep; most people drive. There is little shade. A combined ticket with St Michael's exists.

Nearby

St Michael's fortress is on the next rock; the old town is below.