Fort XI, Artillery fort in Toruń, Poland.
Fort XI is an artillery fort in Toruń featuring a pentagonal shape with concrete and brick construction, supplemented by dry moats and earthen ramparts. The structure includes multiple gun positions integrated as part of the former defensive installation.
The Kingdom of Prussia built this fort between 1877 and 1881 as part of Toruń's fortress system to defend its eastern frontier against Russian expansion. A decade later the structure was reinforced with added concrete to withstand more powerful artillery fire.
The fort walls hold inscriptions and drawings left by prisoners of war from many countries during World War II when it functioned as a camp. These marks show the personal thoughts and hopes of people who endured hardship within these walls.
The fort sits southwest of Toruń's Old Town Market Square along Poznańska Street and requires advance planning to visit. It is best to check opening times and access conditions before making the trip to the site.
The fort received reinforcement in 1894 with a thick concrete layer added over the barracks to protect it from heavy artillery bombardment. This improvement shows how military design adapted quickly when weapons technology advanced.
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