Josefov, Military fortress in Jaroměř, Czechia.
Josefov is a military fortress near Jaroměř built by Emperor Joseph II, featuring underground passages, defensive walls, and a systematic street layout. The entire complex shows the typical structure of a border defense installation with bastions, gun emplacements, and thick fortifications.
Emperor Joseph II ordered this fortress built between 1780 and 1787 to protect the Bohemian borders from Prussian attacks. Once completed, it served as a major stronghold of Austrian military defense in the region.
The fortress reveals its military purpose through its orderly street layout and visible barracks arranged around the central compound. Visitors can observe how soldiers lived and worked here by exploring the residential quarters and functional buildings.
The fortress is best explored on guided tours starting from Bastion I, where tickets are also sold. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since paths are uneven and underground sections can be damp.
An extensive network of underground tunnels runs beneath the entire compound, creating a hidden realm below the fortifications. These passages were crucial for supplying the garrison and allowed secret movements during military operations.
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