Fort Forno near Bale: coastal defences and a summer stage

Updated October 13, 2026.

Forno is an Austro-Hungarian fort at Barbariga overlooking Brijuni. You can explore its exterior and attend theatre and music performances in summer.

The Austro-Hungarian navy built Forno in 1904 on a hill above Cape Punta Grossa to protect Pula's naval harbour from attack by sea. This armoured coastal fort has a polygonal plan and measures around 208 metres in length. It formed part of the Barbariga defensive group alongside the Benedetto and Caluzzi batteries.

On an exterior visit, the hilltop position 25 metres above sea level gives you a view of Brijuni. The interior is closed to regular visitors.

Bembo Fest in the restored fort

The restored space serves as a summer stage. In July 2026, audiences heard Italian arias and songs here as part of Bembo Fest. Each performance has its own date and admission arrangements, separate from exterior visits to the fort. Theatre and music announcements appear on the Fort Forno Theatre page.

Distance from Bale: 17 minutes driving (8.6 km)

For: families, first time visitors, nature lovers, recreationists, dog owners

Parking: charged

Address: Bale, Istria, Croatia

What to do: information, architecture, landscape

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