Exploring the Secrets of Fort Brioni Minor

From Theater of Operations to a Theater of Arts

Nestled on the island of Mali Brijun, the second-largest island in the Brijuni archipelago, lies one of the most imposing military structures on the Adriatic coast: Fort Brioni Minor. While the neighboring Veliki Brijun island is famous for its safari park and villas, Mali Brijun remains a more rugged, tranquil destination where nature and history intertwine. The fort is the island’s primary landmark, standing as a silent witness to the strategic importance this small piece of land once held for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

A Masterpiece of Military Architecture

Constructed between 1895 and 1900, Fort Brioni Minor is a “polygonal” coastal fortification and is recognized as the largest individual structure within the extensive Pula fortification system. Its design features a distinctive horseshoe shape and is surrounded by deep, protective moats carved directly into the rock. Inside, the fort is a complex labyrinth of underground tunnels, magazines, and artillery positions designed to withstand the most advanced naval weaponry of the late 19th century.

Guarding the Gateway to the Adriatic

Strategic military planning placed Fort Brioni Minor at the heart of the “Gruppo Brioni Minor”, a defensive group that also included the San Nicolò coastal battery and a torpedo battery. Its primary mission was to guard the northern entrance to the Fažana Channel, effectively protecting the main naval port of Pula from maritime threats. The fort’s sheer defensive power, equipped with heavy and medium-caliber artillery, was so formidable that it acted as a deterrent, helping to preserve the city of Pula from significant naval destruction during World War I.

Armaments and garrisons of “Gruppo Brioni Minor”:

  • Fort Brioni Minor
    • Armaments:
      • Two 30.5 cm L/40 coastal guns (in steel armored cupolas)
      • Two 28 cm L/35b coastal guns
      • Four 15 cm L/40 coastal guns
      • Four 7 cm L/42 coastal guns
    • Garrison:
      • 12 officers and 530 men
  • Coastal Battery San Nicolò
    • Armaments:
      • Four 21 cm M80 coastal mortars
      • 15 cm M80 siege guns
    • Garrison:
      • Two officers and 91 men
  • Torpedo Launching Battery
    • Armament:
      • 3 x 45 cm torpedo launchers
  • Brioni Minor Flanking Battery
    • Armament: 4 x 47 mm L/44 rapid-firing guns.

From Battlements to Center Stage

In recent decades, the fort has undergone a remarkable transformation from a site of war to a center for culture. Since 2001, it has served as the atmospheric home of the Ulysses Theatre, founded by actor Rade Šerbedžija. During the summer months, the fort’s stone walls and open-air courtyards are repurposed into a stage for world-class theatrical performances, most notably Shakespeare’s King Lear, which utilizes the fort’s natural acoustics and dramatic architecture to create a unique sensory experience.

Planning Your Excursion

Visiting Fort Brioni Minor is an adventure that begins with a boat ride from the picturesque town of Fažana. At the time of writing, the Brijuni National Park offers organized excursions to Mali Brijun that include guided tours of the fortification. Visitors can walk through the historic tunnels, explore the massive defensive ditches, and enjoy the Mediterranean flora that now grows around the ancient stone, making it a perfect day trip for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Date of visit: 21.09.2025

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Fort Brioni Minor – Entrance

Fort Brioni Minor – Roof Theater

Fort Brioni Minor – Roof View

Fort Brioni Minor – Top View

Fort Brioni Minor – Armaments

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