Fort Vrmac

Fort Vrmac, also known as Tvrđava Vrmac, is a former Austro-Hungarian fortification located at the southern end of the Vrmac ridge, near Tivat in Montenegro. Constructed between 1894 and 1897, the fort held significant strategic importance, particularly during World War I, when it was heavily shelled by Montenegrin forces. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved Austrian forts in the Bay of Kotor area. Designed as a modern fortress, Fort Vrmac consists of a reinforced stone and concrete structure set within a moat and surrounded by caponiers, with its sole entrance located on the northern side. Its architecture resembles that of the "Vogl period" fortifications in South Tyrol, featuring an irregular pentagonal layout and two levels. During World War I, it served as a central point of Austro-Hungarian defense in the Kotor region, despite being considered outdated by that time. An interesting historical note is that after World War II, the fort was repurposed by the Yugoslav People's Army, and inside one of its casemates, icons depicting saints were painted. The fort remains accessible to visitors, though caution is advised due to its current structural condition.