Fort Arza is a 19th century fortification built by the Austrians on Cape Mirište on the Lustica peninsula in the municipality of Herceg Novi.
It is a fairly well-preserved two-storey building. It is known to have taken part in the successful defence of the Bay of Kotor against the French during the First World War.
Fortification history
Having received the Bay of Kotor at its disposal in 1815, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was concerned about its fortification and defence both on the land and sea sides.
Thus, the entire bay was divided into 3 defence zones. The sea entrance to the bay fell into Defence Zone I, which contained three defence lines — the first two defended the mouth of the bay, and the third — a complex of fortifications just inside the bay to protect it from attacks from the water.
- Fort Arza — Fort Mamula — Форт Ostro (present-day Croatia)
- Fort Lustica — Fort Kabala — Fort Kobila Donja — Fort Kobila Gornja. As well as additional batteries and infrastructure
- Fort Rose, torpedo batteries, Fort Spanjola and others.
Construction of the Arza Fortress began in 1850 and lasted 3 years. In addition to the fort itself, all the necessary infrastructure was built around the fort, including buildings for officers' recreation and a supply pier, which also carried out torpedo training and repair. The remains of this pier can still be seen today, but the buildings other than the fortress have unfortunately been destroyed.
Description of fortress
Fort Arza is a two-storey cylinder-shaped tower with gun casemates around its perimeter. The tower is adjoined by a rectangular building with a staircase inside. This annex also contained living quarters for the soldiers.
Underneath the fortress, on the -1st floor is a tank to collect rainwater.
Over time and with the development of weaponry, the Austrians regularly rearmed the fort. It met the First World War with two 156mm howitzers and machine guns, but it is worth noting that by then the fort was considered obsolete.
How to get to Fort Arza
In 2005, the land was acquired by a private investor. The plan was to build a premium resort with a marina, but the work was never started. Today the entrance to the territory is open, but it is impossible to get inside the building.
The fortress can be reached by car or by boat from the sea side
