Austro-Hungarian Fortification

Fortifications

In 1852, the construction of the famous historic fortresses in the whole city of Pula began, and by the end of the First World War, Pula had become the main naval base of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Of the three main rings of fortifications, the first protected the entrance to the naval port itself, the second covered the wider city area, while the third extended beyond the city of Pula.

The fortifications in Pula are a cultural heritage of exceptional value, thanks to the numerous preserved structures from the Austro-Hungarian period, including military facilities, infrastructure, communal systems, and buildings with various social and cultural functions.

History of the fort of Verudela

The coastal fortress of Verudela is considered one of the hundred elements of the Austro-Hungarian defence system in Pula. Situated at an altitude of 31 metres, it was built and equipped between 1881 and 1886, and together with the nearby San Giovanni battery it formed a unique defensive complex.

The fortress has a pentagonal, almost symmetrical plan, consisting of a central stone block with a two-storey barracks, a moat and an outer stone embankment. It was built of finely worked stone blocks, bricks (vaults), concrete and reinforced concrete. According to data from 1903, the crew consisted of a commander, four officers, and about 120 soldiers.

Since 2002, the Verudela fortress has been the headquarters of the Pula Aquarium, where today, instead of a large number of Austro-Hungarian soldiers, there are more than 250 species of animals from the Adriatic and the Mediterranean.

History of the Battery of San Giovanni

The San Giovanni battery was built at the same time as the corresponding Verudela fort at a height of 21 metres. It was built to withstand artillery fire and the battery crew consisted of four officers and 194 soldiers.

In 1963 it was converted into a restaurant and surrounded by the numerous asphalted roads and promenades of the nearby tourist complex, which, in addition to the defensive structure, destroyed a small connecting battery and the position of the fortress's second reflector, partially destroying its original state.

Today, Battery San Giovanni is owned by Arena Hospitality Group d.d., and since 2014, part of its space has been used by Aquarium Pula for the implementation of the educational oceanological program "Blue School." In 2022, an exotic exhibit and quarantine and breeding section were established as further expansions of Aquarium Pula.