Fort Belin, Military fortification in Salins-les-Bains, France.
Fort Belin is a military fortification in Salins-les-Bains built across two levels and ringed by a moat. The structure displays brick casemates and timber framing on its upper section, with a central trench dividing the interior space.
The fort was reconstructed after the Austrian siege of 1814 and transformed into a casemate structure in 1828. This modernization made it a more effective defensive position for its era.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, Fort Belin and Fort Saint-André maintained resistance despite the town's surrender and their numerical disadvantage.
The fort is currently in private ownership, with ongoing restoration work to maintain its structure. Visitors should check availability in advance since accessibility may vary due to ongoing conservation efforts.
After the defeat of 1871, an optical telegraph station was installed within medieval tower ruins. This addition improved the fort's communication capabilities significantly.
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