Everyone knows the name of Verdun. The forts surrounding that city witnessed the longest battle of the First World War. But do you know that an equally powerful system of fortifications in those times was also located in the Subcarpathian region? In 1914 and 1915 battles were fought here by multinational armies comprising Austrians, Hungarians, Germans, Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Romanians, Bulgarians and Italians as well as Russians. Today the relics of the Przemyśl Fortress still reflect the fact that this was a defence system of the highest strategic significance.
Rings of strength
When you visit the beautiful city of Przemyśl and its surroundings, you will come across relics reflecting the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the genius of the engineers of the Imperial and Royal Army. It is no coincidence that the remains of the forts and military structures surround the city forming a tight ring of the defences. This was the intention of the architects who built the fortifications around Przemyśl, starting in the mid 19th century and ending shortly before the First World War. The defence system comprised two rings of forts, inner and outer, auxiliary structures and a third ring of field fortifications. The defences were extending from a distance of one kilometre to over 12 km from the city centre.
During the first siege of Przemyśl in 1914, the fortress walls effectively protected the garrison. It is estimated that the crew consisted of 131,000 soldiers. There were 21,000 horses and 1010 guns of various types and calibres. And although the Russian army eventually captured the Fortress, this happened as a result of the second siege which continued for nearly five months. Before the Austrian crew surrendered they had earlier blown up the most essential parts of the forts and destroyed the armaments and military equipment.
Just like one hundred years ago
However, the Przemyśl Fortress did not only comprise walls and military fortifications. There was also a specially prepared area in front of each point of resistance. Those visiting the place today are invariably impressed by the fact that the fortress landscape has been preserved unchanged since the outbreak of the First World War. This means that, after more than a century, you can still see the preserved green camouflage systems, the terrain, the layout of the fortress roads and, last but not least, the relics of the trenches in the areas separating the various structures. Today, some forts have been renovated and adapted to hold expositions and events, e.g. Fort VIII Łętownia in Kuńkowce or Fort XII Werner in Żurawica.
Visiting the landmark
You can explore the Forts of Przemyśl in all possible ways. You can reach the forts on foot or bike or on horseback. In winter, if the weather allows, you can use cross-country skis for this purpose. Of course, given the fact that many forts are in poor condition, and some are overgrown by shrubs and trees, you must apply caution when you visit these places.
You will find more information about the Przemyśl Fortress and other attractions nearby on the website Visit Przemyśl.