Stone towns of Vis (4): Fort Wellington is another interesting example of British fortifications

After exploring Fort George, the Perasti Tower, and the Komiža Fort Kastel Komuna, it was time to return to the port of Vis, more precisely to St. George Hill above Kut, due to another British fortification on the island.

Although Fort Wellington has an excellent and prominent position, today’s lack of signposts rarely leads anyone to it. Unfortunately, while I was driving to the fort itself, if I hadn’t already known the island of Vis in advance, I wouldn’t have really known where to turn. All the way I asked myself “Is the fort so unimportant or is it being hidden because of the garbage dump on the way to it?”

Fort Wellington, the island of Vis, Photo: Adria.fun

The sun was really hot that day, so I waited until later in the afternoon to visit it. The road from the interior of the island of Vis, more precisely from Podselje towards the town of Vis, took me along the D117 road to the turn that leads to the Vis Recycling Yard, without any sign indicating that you have to go through it in order to reach the fort. I didn’t know if I could drive up there by car, so I left it at the very foot, near the garbage dump.

I continued on foot on macadam, which could also be called goat roads because due to lack of maintenance, it was completely taken over by maki in several parts. In the end, I was glad that I didn’t choose the first option, the one by car.

Fort Wellington, the island of Vis, Photo: Adria.fun

I heard about the fort back in the days when I visited Vis for the first time. I really know this island from all sides, but I have not yet experienced Wellington up close. Walking towards it, I can say that if you head here, you will have one of the most beautiful views, both towards the harbor and towards Fort George, the islet of Host, and Hvar as well.

It took me about 20 minutes to get to the very top of George’s Hill and Fort Wellington, stopping to admire the views and take wonderful aerial photos.

Host islet, Photo: Adria.fun

Not much is known about the fort, and there is not much left of it, just like the Terjun fort, which has a similar position and condition, and is located on the other side of the bay near Fort George along the road leading to Mala Svitnja bay. What I learned from various sources and reading is that it was named in honor of the British Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, who defeated the French at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

There is no exact source nor when it was built, but it is believed that it was created after Fort George and probably after that famous battle.

The form and its purpose are somewhat clear and known. It was circular and had one entrance and several openings for loopholes, which corresponds to the opinion that its purpose was only military, i.e. defensive and that it was not inhabited for a long time. The purpose of the construction itself in this place was an excellent location because, from Fort George itself, you cannot see the right side of the bay nor the open sea from the direction of the bay of Stončica and Pakleni islands.

Although it is all overgrown with various plants and pines, I decided to take a peek inside it.

Next to the fort itself stood another collapsed structure, but unfortunately I couldn’t determine what it was, and I couldn’t even find a source that describes it, so I believe it was some kind of weapons storage or maybe for the needs of a tank.

As the tour itself was short, I stayed here for a while to enjoy the sunset itself, to feel the spirit of the past, but also to think about which fort I will visit next!

This publication was co-financed by the Fund for the Promotion of Pluralism and Diversity of Electronic Media.