Josefov Fortress

Josefov Fortress is a massive fortified complex near Jaroměř featuring thick brick walls, multiple bastions, and an extensive network of underground corridors running beneath the entire site. The structure follows the classic 18th-century fortress design with clearly defined defensive positions.

A French architect designed this defensive structure in the 1780s to protect the northern frontier against Prussian threats. The fortress was built under Austrian rule and served as a key element in regional border security.

The chapel within the fortress shows how faith and military life intertwined in this garrison space. Visitors can see how soldiers used this sacred space alongside their everyday duties.

Visitors can take guided tours through the underground corridors to experience the fortress's military engineering firsthand. Wear comfortable shoes as exploration of the site involves walking through lengthy passages beneath ground level.

The fortress hosts a major metal music festival each August that draws performers and fans from across Europe. This unexpected use shows how historical sites gain new purpose in contemporary cultural life.

Location: Jaroměř

Inception: 1780s

GPS coordinates: 50.33928,15.93022

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46