Josefov – pevnost, Military fortress in Jaroměř, Czech Republic.
Josefov is an expansive military fortress near Jaroměř with underground passages connecting its sections. The site comprises three distinct areas linked by tunnels built into the rocky substrate beneath the ground.
The fortress was built between 1780 and 1787 under Emperor Joseph II as part of northern border defenses against potential Prussian threats.
The chapel inside reflects how military and spiritual needs coexisted within the fortress walls. Visitors can see how defense and faith were intertwined in the design and daily use of the space.
The underground corridors are best visited during spring and autumn when temperatures and humidity are most comfortable. Sturdy footwear and a jacket are advisable since conditions underground remain cool and damp year-round.
The site contains around 45 kilometers of underground corridors carved into chalk rock formations. This subterranean network ranks among Europe's most extensive military tunnel systems built during that era.
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