St. Elisabeth Bastion in Gdańsk, Defensive bastion in Gdańsk, Poland.
St. Elisabeth Bastion is a fortification in Gdańsk with a three-tiered structure of low rampart, central rampart, and cavalier, containing multiple casemates built into its thick walls. The structure displays the system of walls and fortified positions that once protected the city from attack.
Construction of this fortification began in 1593 as part of Gdańsk's western defensive line, built according to the New Italian system of fortifications. The structure was created during an era when such modern defensive works were being built across Europe to counter advanced weaponry.
The bastion takes its name from the nearby St. Elisabeth Hospital, showing how military works were linked to local institutions of the time. Walking around the structure today, you can still see how it relates to the surrounding city and its geography.
The bastion is open to visitors year-round for exterior viewing and photography. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the structure, as the ground can be uneven and you will be exploring the perimeter on foot.
The structure contains buried entrance points and internal storage areas that were modified for different purposes after World War II. These hidden details show how the fortress was adapted over time to meet new needs.
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