Fort Vrmac

Kotor, Montenegro

Fort Vrmac is a former fortification of the Austro-Hungarian Empire located on the southern end of the Vrmac ridge near Tivat. Established in 1860, the present structure was built between 1894 and 1897, and saw action during the First World War, when it was heavily bombarded by the Montenegrins. It was repaired and disarmed before the end of the war and was abandoned after a period of occupation by Yugoslav troops. Today it is one of the best preserved Austro-Hungarian fortifications in the Bay of Kotor area.

The fort comprises a heavily reinforced stone and concrete structure situated within a ditch, defended by three caponiers. There is a single entrance on the north side, accessed from the ditch and protected by a caponier. The design is similar to that of the 'Vogl period' fortresses in South Tyrol, with an irregular pentagonal shape constructed on two levels. The main guns were housed in armoured casemates, with howitzers and observation turrets in steel cupolas made by Škoda in Pilsen.

The roof of the fort is a 1.5 m thick slab of concrete that was installed in 1906–1907 following improvements to Montenegrin artillery capabilities. The barracks rooms are located on the ground and first floors on the north side while the casemates are situated on the other sides of the fort, facing towards what was then potentially hostile territory. A separate structure a short distance to the north of the fort was used as an ammunition magazine.

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Kotor, Montenegro
See all sites in Kotor

Details

Founded: 1860
Category: Castles and fortifications in Montenegro

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

ThePolishTraveller (9 months ago)
nice place to explore without feeling like you are breaking the law; the fort is abandoned but easy to acces just make sure to take some light with you. Watch out for a few open holes and some hornets that made their nest in one of the turrets.
Ieva Česonytė (10 months ago)
Very cool place. Glad we explored it although we were a bit scared of the bats (they're very numerous!). The fort is well preserved although it's completely abandoned (sad). I recommend you explore the entirety of the building and find the ladder to climb all the way to the rooftop. It's dark inside, you'll need a light.
Martin Witchard (14 months ago)
We visited on an overcast, showery day which provided a sombre backdrop. The fort is a substantial structure and you can go in, just bring a torch. The walk up the Franz Joseph steps is an energetic way to get there.
Baiba Ralle (15 months ago)
Easy to find, clean and seemed enough safe. Take some lite with you. In some places there are some holes, but not too many, so watch your step. Building in good shape but nothing very interesting.
Kimberley Zagyva (2 years ago)
It was a interesting visit. But very creepy. Someone has placed female shoes in one room which makes it even creepier. If you like history or a bit of something different away from the main tourist path it’s worth a visit and the views on the drive up are beautiful
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