International Scientific Conference within the FORTIC Project Held on the Brijuni Islands

In Brijuni National Park, on 15–16 September 2025, the FORTIC International Scientific Conference 2025 – “Fortified Architecture for the Culture of Peace” was held. The conference was organized by the Faculty of Economics and Tourism “Dr. Mijo Mirković”, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, within the framework of the FORTIC project – From remains Of the war to the aRchiTecture of peace in the cross-border area of Italy-Croatia, co-financed through the Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027 programme.

The conference brought together more than 100 participants, researchers, experts, and representatives of institutions from Croatia, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. Special emphasis was placed on interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange in the valorisation and sustainable revitalisation of fortified heritage.

The official programme was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dean Sinković, Ph.D., MBA, Vice Dean for International Affairs and Business Relations at the Faculty of Economics and Tourism “Dr. Mijo Mirković”, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, and Emina Popović Sterpin, Head of the Department of Culture and Civil Society, City of Pula.

Keynote speakers included Prof. Maria Gravari-Barbas (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, France), Prof. Donatella Rita Fiorino (University of Cagliari, Italy), and John Harris (Fortress Study Group, United Kingdom), who presented significant international examples of fortified heritage protection and revitalisation. In addition to the keynote lectures, nine thematic panels were held, featuring more than 40 scientific papers and best practice examples. The discussions covered a wide range of topics – from strategic guidelines for the protection of Adriatic fortified heritage, through digital and innovative approaches, to sustainable tourism and the socio-cultural valorisation of fortifications.

A special part of the programme was a study visit to Mali Brijun Island, where participants visited Fort Brioni Minor, one of the best-preserved examples of Austro-Hungarian fortification architecture on the eastern Adriatic coast. The visit provided an opportunity to connect theoretical discussions with a tangible heritage site.

The conference was organised in a hybrid format, with the possibility of online participation through live streaming, ensuring accessibility to a broad international audience.

The FORTIC project is focused on the preservation, restoration, and innovative valorisation of fortified heritage in the cross-border area of Italy and Croatia, with an emphasis on sustainable development and the promotion of a culture of peace. By hosting this conference, the project made a significant contribution to its objectives, bringing together experts and institutions while fostering international knowledge and experience exchange.

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