Modlin, Former village with military fortress in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland.
Modlin is a former village with a large military fortress located where the Narew and Vistula rivers meet, in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. The complex spreads across a wide area with several defensive forts, casemates, and administrative buildings built during different periods.
The French built the original fortress between 1806 and 1812, which was later expanded under Russian control and played a key role during World War I. The site was afterward repurposed for aviation and now houses a modern international airport.
The fortress displays military structures from different eras, including casemates, bunkers, and storage buildings that show regional construction methods. These buildings reveal how soldiers lived and how defensive engineering changed over time.
The site now hosts a modern airport that visitors can reach by public transport or car. Parts of the historical fortress are open to visitors, though it is wise to check in advance which areas are accessible for touring.
The fortress was built with a circular defensive system featuring eight separate forts constructed between 1883 and 1888. This innovative design allowed for all-around protection of the central citadel and the ability to withstand multiple waves of attack.
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