The construction started in 1762 and lasted for over 20 years, following the plans designed by the Austrian military architect Filipp Ferdinand Harsch, and also under his supervision. The fortress is designed as a star with six corners, each corner having a bastion, which is a typical Vaubann construction. Arad Fortress marks the ending of the evolution of star-shaped fortresses in Transylvania. Inside the reinforced walls three main buildings were built: the headquarters, the barracks and the monastery-hospital which also included the church built in the baroque style.