Fortress of Kluže

The image and purpose of the Kluže Fortress have changed throughout history. At the narrowest part of the Koritnica River, it blocked an important strategic passage. It also served as a defence against Turkish invasions. The first wooden fortress was built by the Venetians in the second half of the 15th century, and the first stone fortress was built at the beginning of the 16th century, when the territory passed from Venetian to Habsburg rule.

The magnificent stone fortress has been renovated several times.

During the Napoleonic Wars and at the beginning of the French wars, the fortress was burnt and destroyed. A new fortress was built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1881-1882. It has remained almost unchanged until today. It was named Flitscher Klause - Bovške Kluže.

It was designed to control the passage from the Bovec basin through the Predel Pass into the interior of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. During the first world war, the fortress at this location was safe from direct Italian shelling. It housed headquarters and rear detachments, and also served as a recruiting station. A number of protective and supply facilities were added, such as a small power station, a water pumping station, observation posts with searchlights and others. In the period before the Second World War, the fortress was devastated. During the Allied administration, when the road was widened and the destroyed bridge was rebuilt, the defensive wall with the entrance portal was removed from the road.

Today, the Kluže Fortress houses a permanent museum collection and temporary exhibitions. In summer, the fortress becomes an important cultural center with many events.

DID YOU KNOW

1. Above Kluž Fortress, 100 metres higher, is another fortress - Fort Hermann. It is supposed to control the entire Bovec basin with cannons and protect the road access to Cluj. It was badly damaged during the First World War. It is reached by a path carved into the rocky hillside and a 100 m long illuminated stone tunnel.