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All Croatia Fort Forno
AO Edited

Fort Forno

A strategically positioned fortress that protected the Fazana channel has found new life as a place for theater.

Bale, Croatia

Added By
KanaKiseki
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The outside of the fort, it is unknown if this is the engine room or a room with collapsed walls   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The outside of the fort, it is unknown if this is the engine room or a room with collapsed walls   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The outside of the fort, it is unknown if this is the engine room or a room with collapsed walls. You can see graffiti on the outside.   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
One of the rooms looking into the hallway   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The walls from the courtyard   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The staircase from the courtyard   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The outside of the fort   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
A blocked passageway in the fort.   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
The fort from a further distance   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
More graffiti on the outside of the fort, however you can see the mobile bleachers in the courtyard.   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
Graffiti on the outside of the fort.   Amy Hoang Anh Johnson
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About

Once an imposing coastal fortress, it is now an overlooked relic of Croatia’s naval history. Fort Forno was a commanding and formidable fortress, though years of disuse have left it in a dilapidated state.

The fort was built in 1904. It stood 25 meters above sea level and was built using stone blocks from local quarries and a reinforced concrete structure. The architecture allowed it to blend with the natural surroundings as it was built directly into the rock, making it unnoticeable from the sea. 

The fort once featured large coastal cannons on the batteries, each mounted in lightly armored cupolas. Its strategic position allowed it to block access to the Fažana Channel, one of the three main entrances to the Port of Pula, in the event of a crossfire. A rock-cut moat protected the 14,000-square-meter fort from possible land attacks. For aerial attacks, the site also used funnel-shaped devices to detect the specific sounds of enemy aircraft.

By the end of the First World War, the Italian Army took control and sadly, the fort lost its characteristic appearance. The army removed various metal fittings, equipment, and powerful cannons. Eventually, the German Armed forces took over in the Second World War, making the most out of the fort and its powerful position on the Croatian Istrian coast. After the Axis forces lost the war, in 1945, the Yugoslavian Army of Liberation seized control of the forts in the region. Pula became assigned to Fort Forno. 

Eventually, the need for the fortress ceased. Although most of the walls remain, they are in a dilapidated condition. To make matters worse, an explosion of unknown origin destroyed the engine room. 

Regardless, the Croatian people have found a modern and creative use for the fort. Today, Fort Forno is now a place for theater. From mobile bleachers in the courtyard, visitors can watch Istrian plays and the Croatian team playing at international football matches. 

Related Tags

Naval History History Abandoned Forts

Know Before You Go

The fort isn't very accessible. However, opposite the Meneghetti Beach Club, there is car parking. There is a gate, that can be locked sometimes, despite this the land can still be passed. The first fort you see is Fort Benedetto, if you walk further along the path you will see Fort Forno. 

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Community Contributors

Added By

KanaKiseki

Published

August 29, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.visitpula.hr/see-do/fort-benedetto/
  • https://www.visitpula.hr/see-do/fort-benedetto/
  • https://tourist.hr/place/fort-forno
  • https://www.monperin.com/the-forno-fortress
  • https://www.bale-valle.com/en/events/theater-fort-forno-bale
Fort Forno
Bale
Croatia
44.99878, 13.725408

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Pula, Croatia

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Croatia

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