Fort Tourgis, Victorian military fort in Alderney, Channel Islands
Fort Tourgis is a military fort on the western coast of Alderney built to defend against naval threats, featuring multiple battery positions and underground passages. The structure was designed to accommodate heavy artillery and personnel across its sprawling layout.
The fort was completed in 1855 as part of Britain's coastal defense strategy during a period of international tension. German forces later modified sections of it during World War II.
The structure represents both British and German military engineering, as German forces modified the fort during World War II with additional gun positions.
You can explore portions of the fort on lower levels, but bring a torch since underground sections have limited lighting. Wear sturdy shoes because the terrain is uneven and some areas can be muddy.
The fort combines two different engineering approaches: the original British design addressed threats from one direction, while German modifications reflected entirely different tactical concerns. This overlapping construction tells a story of how military architecture changed based on the enemy being defended against.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
