Torpedo - Launch Station — Attraction in Grad Rijeka

Amazing historical site but sad about the condition, considering its history. They should make a museum of it or at least pay some more attention to it. A monument or something.

Anyway, at first it was a bit hard to find but after passing the entry of the dock we noticed that there's actually a sign mentioning the torpedo factory. At first the security guard and the gate made us a bit hesitant, but I decided to just ask the security guard kindly. It was no problem to enter the dock and have a look but he told us to be careful. And he was right: roof that is made from asbestos is about to collapse, holes in floor and metal sticking out.

Best to watch from outside the gate. Better...

Anyone truly interested in naval history and innovation should make the effort to visit this old torpedo launch site just on the edge of Rijeka's former port area. It's an historic place for one reason: it was here that the Imperial Austrian navy in the second half of the 19th century developed and tested the world's first torpedoes under the supervision of one Robert Whitehead, a British engineer and factory owner. The structure is derelict but the torpedo trolly lines are still visible and the vista to the Adriatic Sea is beautiful. Although remote it's only a short 15 minute public bus ride from Rijeka's...

The first torpedoes were assembled and tested here. The original launch station that stood atop the site was built in the 1860s.

Robert Whitehead, working off Giovanni Luppis’ prototypes, created and launched the first successful torpedo. His fish-like machine revolutionized maritime military defenses.

For 100 years, the factory churned out more than 30 different models. The launch station that stands today was constructed in the 1930s and was only in use for just over 30 years. The factory closed in 1966, putting an end to the site’s...