Fort Saint-Privat

Fort Saint-Privat is a military fortification near Marly featuring artillery positions and defensive structures built using the detached fort design developed by Hans von Biehler. The installation displays the typical characteristics of this engineering approach, with its distinctive arrangement of ramparts and casemates.

The fort was built between 1872 and 1875 during the Second French Empire and served as part of the original defensive line protecting Metz. After World War I, French forces took control and renamed it in 1919.

The fort's name changed from Feste Prinz August von Württemberg to Fort Saint-Privat in 1919 when French forces took control after World War I.

The site remains permanently closed and inaccessible to visitors. It can only be viewed from a distance outside the perimeter.

During World War II, the fort was surrendered in 1944 by Commander Werner Matzdorff with about 500 soldiers after facing severe ammunition shortages and limited supplies. This surrender marked one of the final acts of resistance in the Metz region.

Location: Marly

Inception: 1872

GPS coordinates: 49.08194,6.14250

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40