Once an imposing coastal fortress, it is now an overlooked relic of Croatia’s naval history. Although it still has some of its former menacing presence, Fort Forno was a commanding and formidable fortress. It is now in disuse and sadly dilapidated.
The site featured 30.5 cm coastal cannons on the left battery and 28 cm on the right battery, with both sets mounted in lightly armoured 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. For a possible land attack, a rock-cut moat protected the 14,000 sqm fort. For aerial attacks, the site also used funnel-shaped devices to detect the specific sounds of enemy aircraft engines. The fort would also be home to nine officers and 321 soldiers.
Construction of the fort began in 1902 and completed in 1914. It once stood 25 metres above sea level, and whilst there are a few forts along the area, Forno proves to be different because of its traditional construction method. They built the fort with stone blocks from local quarries, with a reinforced concrete structure. The architecture allowed it to blend with the natural surroundings as it was directly built onto rock, making it unnoticeable from the sea.
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, with the progression of modern warfare, the need for the fortress ceased. Although most of the walls remain, it is 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 theatre. There are mobile bleachers in the courtyard and has shown Istrian plays. The site even showed the Croatian team playing at recent international football matches.
