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Brest Fortress was erected in the middle of the 19th
century, and it is located in the city of Brest, at the Belarusian border with
Poland.
The
fortress was located in a strategical point of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union,
being one of the most western fortresses. In the 19th century, the only bridge that linked the
Russian empire with Poland was located in Brest, so all the commercial and
military traffic was done through Brest.
Brest Fortress History
Although the Brest fortress is not very old, it had a central role in many
important battles in both world wars. In 1915 Germany occupied the fortress after the Russians
withdrew, and three years later the Brest-Litovsk treaty was signed here. After the
Soviet-Polish war, Brest fortress was taken over by Poland. In 1939 it was occupied by Soviet
forces after the USSR attacked Poland and thus became a Soviet
fortress.
During
the first days of Operation Barbarosa, the fortress was defended by Soviet forces against the
German army, and thus it played a crucial role in WWII.
Brest fortress today
Brest fortress is one of the most important Soviet World War
II war monuments. The fortress is a masterpiece of military engineering as well as an
outstanding work of art, and several forts have been added to the original fortress, which
consists of two stories with two-kilometer-long barracks in a circular
form.
The 500
casemates could hold 12,000 people, ammunition, and food. The gun-ports in the recesses of the
barracks walls were used for gun and rifle firing. Churches, monasteries, and cathedrals also
exist within the grounds of the fortress.
The
fortress was heavily damaged during WWII and some parts of it were never restored. At present
the site of the Brest fortress hosts a big monument of the unknown Soviet soldier, and the main
entrance is made through a huge red star symbolizing the
USSR. The fortress is free to visit.
Brest
Fortress Map&Location
Brest Fortress is located at the Belarusian border with Poland, in the city
of Brest. Get hel with directions using the map provided bellow.
View Larger Map
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Brest Fortress
Photos
Brest Fortress Belarus
Brest Fortress Memorial Complex
BrestFortress War Memorial Main Entrance
Brest Fortress, Belarus
Brest Fortress Inside
Brest Fortress main entrance to the War Memorial
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