The Luštica peninsula hides a historical pearl – the Arza fortress!

The Arza fortress, a monumental building located on the Arza cape on the Luštica peninsula, represents one of Montenegro’s most important, but also the least-known historical pearls.

Built at the end of the 19th century, this fortress was part of an extensive fortification system that guarded the strategically important entrance to the Bay of Kotor during the Austro-Hungarian rule.

Arza fortress, Luštica peninsula, Photo: nadtochiy, Depositphotos

The construction of the Arza fortress began at the time when the Austro-Hungarian monarchy was at the peak of its power.

Its purpose was to defend the Bay of Kotor, one of the most important natural harbors on the Adriatic Sea. The fortress was part of a wider defense system that included other significant fortifications, such as the fortresses of Mamula and Prevlaka (Croatia).

Arza fortress, Luštica peninsula, Photo: Vladimir Bazović, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Arza fortress is characterized by the characteristic military-architectural style of that time. It was built of solid stone, with massive walls designed to withstand artillery fire and provide maximum defense.

The position of the fortress on the headland provides an excellent overview of the entrance to the bay, enabling control over the sea lanes.

Today, the fortress of Arza is partially preserved, but it is in a state that requires urgent restoration. Its walls are still imposing, but the interior parts and certain parts of the exterior structures are significantly damaged.

Despite this, the fortress attracts a considerable number of visitors, history buffs, and adventurers who want to explore its remains and enjoy the spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea.