The torpedo was invented in Rijeka in 1866 to protect the coast. This is the testing launch station as it was built in the 1930s, now completely abandoned, beneath the former torpedo factory, which closed 1966. It was here that 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 site is hidden in an industrial area and not easy to find and access.