Daugavpils Fortress Add an Object

DaugavpilsFortress is the most significant cultural and historical monument in Daugavpils. It was built from 1810 to 1878 on the site of the oldcity of Dinaburg and next to the 16th century fortification. It has been preserved almost completely and occupies an area of about 2 km2 . The construction of Dinaburg Fortress began in preparation for Napoleon's invasion, and during the battles of the war in 1812, the unfinished fortress successfully withstood artillery fire, repelling the first attacks of Napoleon's army. Until the mid-19th century, Dinaburg Fortress was one of the first-class fortresses of the Russian Empire, but during its construction, it began to lose its significance and by 1856, it had already become a second-class fortress, and by 1897, it had become Dvinsk Fortress—a warehouse. Throughout history, various armies of different powers have been stationed at the fortress.

At the time of its completion in 1878, it had already become outdated and became the last bastion-type fortress built in Europe. It is also classified as an Ideal Fortified City and is the only example of a 19th-century first-half fortress in Eastern Europe that has remained largely unchanged.