The city's fortification walls are considered one of the best preserved urban fortifications in Europe.
The current form of fortification of the city with a perimeter of 1940 metres was acquired in the 16th century. It was then that Italian architects built the key fragments of the city's fortifications: the Mincheta Tower, the Pile Gate, the Bocar Fortress, and two separate fortresses: Lovrijenac and Revelin. In 1484, the Caché defensive breakwater was built and has stood in the harbour ever since, protecting the harbour from pirates and storms.
The harbour is protected by the fortress of St. John. It is now home to the Maritime Museum and a small aquarium.
