Skansin, Military fortress in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
The fortress stands on a hill beside the port of Tórshavn, featuring a white and red lighthouse alongside historical cannons and defensive structures.
Magnus Heinason constructed the fortress in 1580 to defend Tórshavn against pirate raids, with major expansions completed in 1780 to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The fortress grounds serve as a meeting point for local events and social gatherings, as demonstrated during the 2015 total solar eclipse observation.
Located minutes from Tinganes peninsula, this free-access fortress remains open all day and provides direct views of the Tórshavn harbor and Nólsoy island.
British military forces installed two 5.5-inch guns from HMS Furious at the fortress during their World War II occupation of the Faroe Islands.
Inception: 1580
GPS coordinates: 62.00792,-6.76306
Latest update: March 9, 2025 19:49
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