Group Fortification Marne, Military fortification near Metz, France
Group Fortification Marne is a military fortification near Metz comprising three fortified barracks connected by approximately 2000 meters of underground tunnels. The system spans across the municipalities of Jury, Mercy, and Ars-Laquenexy.
The fortification was built between 1907 and 1916 under the name Feste Mercy and renamed Feste Freiherr von der Goltz in 1911. After World War One it became Group Fortification Marne in 1919.
The fortification displays early 20th-century military architecture with infantry positions and artillery batteries integrated into the surrounding terrain. Visitors can observe how the design was meant to protect the area from multiple directions.
The site is spread across several municipalities and takes time to explore due to the underground tunnels and distributed structures. It helps to wear sturdy shoes since the ground can be uneven and the tunnels are cool regardless of the season.
The site played a key role in the Battle of Metz in 1944 and withstood bombardments from over 1000 aircraft. American forces eventually captured it in December after weeks of resistance.
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