The Austro-Hungarian fortress near Kotor attracts attention with its rotating dome weighing 100 tons

Did you know that the Austro-Hungarians left a series of incredible fortresses in Montenegro, built to protect their empire from potential attacks from the sea? These monumental buildings testify to the skill of Austro-Hungarian military architecture, and one of them, the Goražda fortress, is located on a hill not far from Kotor.

Gorazda Fortress, Photo: OlgaIlinich Depositphotos

Located at 452 meters above sea level, the Goražda Fortress was built between 1884 and 1886, replacing an earlier structure on the same site. It was part of the defense system of Boka Kotor Bay, an important naval stronghold of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy at the time, and it still offers a spectacular view of the entire bay.

Gorazda Fortress, Photo: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 4.0

What makes Goražda special is its interesting architecture. Buried in the ground, Goražda was built according to the principles of modern fortifications, with strong ramparts, artillery batteries, and shelters for soldiers. The underground rooms contained everything necessary for a long siege—ammunition stores, water tanks, and accommodation.

The most notable feature of this fortress is the 100-ton Gruson rotating dome on the roof, the only remaining example of its kind.

Gorazda Fortress, Photo: OlgaIlinich Depositphotos

During the First World War, Goražda Fortress was severely attacked by Montenegrins from Lovćen. This led the Austro-Hungarians to add two concrete infantry positions on the roof of the fortress in 1915 to defend it from close-range attacks. Despite the heavy artillery bombardment, the fortress suffered minimal damage.

After the war, the fortress passed into the hands of the Yugoslav army and continued to be used as a military warehouse until the early 1990s. Today, it is abandoned and can be accessed freely, but due to poor care for its preservation, it is not the safest.

Gorazda Fortress, Photo: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are a history buff and want to experience the authentic spirit of the past, a visit to Goražda Fortress is a must. So, the next time you find yourself near Kotor, don’t miss the opportunity. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover some more hidden stories carved into the stone walls.