Fortress of Saint Andrew (tvrđava Sv. Andrija), also known as Fort Vranovo Brdo (serb. Vranovo Brdo — Raven mountain) — a fortification built on a mountain above Perast during the reign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The fortress is located at an altitude of 749 meters above sea level and is a link in the defense system built by the Austrians to contain threats from the Russian Empire, as well as the state of Montenegro.
Fortress History
According to the archives, the first fortifications on this site appeared during the possession of this territory by the Venetian Republic in the 15th century. At that time they were built a little lower — at the altitude of 420 meters — on the border with the Ottoman Empire (it so happened that the Turks most often came from this side). Nearby was the settlement of Glogovac. Now only the remains of the Catholic Church of St. John remained from it, which can be found on the way from Perast.
Then this fortification was called «St. Andrew's Fortress». It is this name that appears on all path signs.
However, in 1815, as a result of the Congress of Vienna, these territories were transferred to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which did not plan to lose the received territories and began to strengthen them. Therefore, starting from the 1830s, a large construction site began in the coastal zone of modern Montenegro.
In addition to the approach of warships from the sea, the Austrians considered landing options, as well as attacks from the mountains (for example, when placing heavy artillery on Lovcen). Therefore, in addition to a large number of forts, a powerful military infrastructure was also created: roads for continuous supply, barracks, hospitals, ammunition depots, and so on.
From 1882 to 1884, a fortress was built on top of a mountain above Perast, which was called «Fort Vranovo Brdo» — this is how this fortification was now called in all Austrian documents. It offers a view of the entire Bay of Kotor, and also controlled the approach to Mount Goli Vrh and the passage towards Grahovo. In addition, the garrison of the fortress could watch the road to the settlement of Velje Selo and support the «neighbors» with fire — Fort Ledenice and Fort Sanik.
The fort was armed with two 90mm M-04 artillery systems, two MG-34, 7.92mm machine guns, and small arms. Barracks, warehouses, and a water tank were also equipped inside.
A 2 m wide cavalry road led to the fortification. It is its remains that are now used as a trail.
In 1909, the Austrian leadership decided to reconstruct the fortress and rebuild it according to the type of Fort Dvrsnik (Werk Dvrsnik.) However, the start of work was delayed, and in 1912 this idea was completely «buried» because of the beginning of the First Balkan War.
Today, only the ruins of fortifications remain on the territory of the fortress, but even they look quite majestic. And the stuck bullets in the iron gates are reminiscent of the wars that took place here not so long ago.
What else to see along the way
In addition to the Shanik Fort, which you will definitely see when you get to Vranovo Brdo, you can also visit a couple of interesting places along the way if you go down / up to/from Donji Orahovac.
Kljavići
An abandoned village above Donji Orahovac. There is little remarkable in the settlement itself — masonry with an often destroyed roof, forgotten household items, and overgrown courtyards.
However, it has a functioning well with cool water, which makes this location much more attractive to visit, especially in summer.
A little closer along the road to the Vranovo Brdo fort, you can see about three more dilapidated houses. It is not known whether these buildings also belonged to the village of Klyavichi, but there are even more household utensils left, up to the bed or a small wood-burning stove.
Ruined Austrian barracks above Donji Orahovac
Walking along the road between Klavici and Fort Vranovo Brdo, it is difficult not to notice quite unusual for the landscape ruins in the distance — the barracks. They are located on slightly higher ground and a branch of the Austrian road approaches them.
Once a two-story building with flat Austrian masonry, of which only a couple of walls and a water tank remain today. However, it has a beautiful direct view of Kotor.
How to reach
There are three ways to get to this fortress: two for hikers and one for those who travel in their own or rented cars. It is impossible to get close to the fortress, the old Austrian roads are in a state of disrepair and nobody has done anything to renovate them yet, so in any case you will have to walk some distance.
Let's consider each of them:
Ascent from Perast (pink)
The ascent begins near the road in Perast and goes upwards. About ⅓ of the way at the beginning is in the shade, but the rest is in the sun among bushes and grass, so it is recommended to climb it either in autumn/spring or early in the morning. Also take water with you at least 2 liters per person and something to cover your head.
The ascent itself will take up to 3 hours, depending on your level and pace of climbing.
Ascent from Donji Orahovac (red)
Longer way than from Perast. As in the previous case, the ascent is carried out on an old Austrian road, so without comfortable shoes can not do.
The peculiarity of this trail is that on the way you can also visit the ruins of the Austrian barracks above Donji Orahovac, as well as an abandoned village, in one of which you can draw water from a well.
Ascent from the Risan side (blue)
The easiest climb in terms of elevation change, but to get to it will have to use a car.
Its start is behind Risan and starts as shown in the map below. On the way you will meet a fork with signs: one road goes to Fort Vranovo Brdo and the other to Fort Sanik.
Walking start coordinates
