One of the largest defensive structures in Europe, the Przemyśl Fortress is located on the border between the Sandomierz Valley and the Carpathians
Its construction was initiated in the mid-1800s, at the time of the Crimean War, and the deteriorating relations between Austria and Russia. The fortress was mainly designed to enable defence of the Przemyśl Gate. The structures were to be built in 24 years, yet because of financial reasons the project was never completed. Other buildings necessary for operation of the forts were erected at the same time, as a result of which the town witnessed rapid growth. In the late 19th/early 20th century the Przemyśl Fortress was one of the largest and most advanced military structures in Europe and the main element of the defensive system along the eastern border of the Austrian Empire.
The town was protected by two rings of fortifications. The internal consisted of 18 forts interconnected with systems of trenches and walls while the 45-kilometre long outer ring, situated 10 kilometres away from the town, consisted of 42 mighty forts, including 15 armoured structures far more powerful than weapons used by artillery at the time. Well-preserved forts can be seen in Łętownia, Siedliska, Duńkowiczki and Orzechowce. In the vicinity of the forts you can also see relics of camouflage systems based on vegetation and remnants of trenches. Museum of Przemyśl Fortress is located at 6, Katedralna Street in Przemyśl. Visitors can see here a scale model of the fortress, collections of photographs, weapons, military uniforms and other artefacts from the times of the Good Soldier Švejk and Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Subject to conservation laws since 1968, the fortress is a major landmark of military heritage. The forts can be toured along the Trail of Defensive Structures, marked in black.
Places worth seeing in Przemyśl and nearby:
National Museum of Przemyśl Region
History Museum of Przemyśl City
Palace and park complex in Krasiczyn
Sanctuary in Kalwaria Pacławska
Civil Defense Control Shelter in Przemyśl
Underground Tourist Route in Przemyśl
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Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic Arch-Cathedrals in Przemyśl
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Multinational cemeteries in Przemyśl
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Zniesienie Hill in Przemyśl
Photo: Piotr Michalski
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