he archipelago, national park since 1983, consits of 2 islands and 12 islets that make a unique and exeptional combination of natural resources with cultural and historical heritage. People were living there as early as prehistoric times, and around hundred archeological sites and objects of great historical value were found on relatively small area. Austrian-Hungarian state constructed seven defensive fortresses on Brijuni in the 19th century. One of them, the fortress called Tegetthoff, on the top of the island Veli Brijun, is one of the largest in whole Mediterranean. At the end of 19th century, Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwiser bought the islands. With help of famous bacteriologist Robert Koch, he eliminated malaria, and then designed trendy resort with luxurious hotels, villas, golf and polo courses. After the period of stagnation between two world wars, Brijuni became presidental residence in the second half of the 20th century. On the western coast of the island of Veli Brijun, two villas hosted numerous world politicians during those decades.