Fort XII
Fort XII is a fortification built in the late 1800s to defend the southern part of the city. The structure features thick earth and concrete walls with several open gun positions and was strategically positioned on hilly terrain to remain concealed from view.
Construction began in 1887 and finished in 1889, after which the structure was upgraded with stronger concrete and reinforced roofing. It served as a military barracks for decades before being abandoned after World War I and losing its defensive function by the 1920s.
The fort was part of a defensive system designed to protect the city from attacks. Today, the structures reveal how soldiers lived and trained here, serving as a reminder of the past military efforts to defend the area.
The fort sits on a hill and is easily accessible from the city center, with pathways allowing visitors to walk around the building and view the thick walls and old gun positions. The surrounding terrain is uneven and sometimes uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
In the early 1900s, the fort was used to test new military technology, including barbed wire and other defensive innovations, with soldiers conducting drills and experiments there. Local stories mention hidden underground tunnels where soldiers could take shelter, and some believe secret passages may still exist within the structure.
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