Fort VII, 19th-century artillery fort in Toruń, Poland
Fort VII is a pentagonal fortification with reinforced concrete structures, gun shelters, and underground passages spread across its defensive grounds. The structures still show the characteristic features of a 19th-century artillery installation.
The fortification was built between 1879 and 1883 and later reinforced in the 1890s to withstand 150mm artillery fire. Electrical installations were added in 1894, reflecting the modernization of military technology at that time.
The fort serves today as a memorial site for over 1500 Polish citizens held prisoner by German forces during occupation. Visitors can see traces of this period throughout the preserved rooms.
The fort is located roughly 4.5 kilometers northwest of the Old Town Market Square and is accessible by public transport. The ground is uneven and sometimes damp, so sturdy footwear and caution are recommended.
During the interwar years the fort served briefly as a hospital for venereal disease before being repurposed as barracks and storage. This unusual conversion shows how the site changed uses over several decades.
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