Daugavpils fortress
Description
Daugavpils Fortress, also known as Dinaburg Fortress, is a fortress in Daugavpils, Latvia. It is the only early 19th century military fortification of its kind in Northern Europe that has been preserved without significant alterations. Planning of the fortress began in 1772 by decree of Tsar Alexander I of Russia, shortly after the First Partition of Poland when Latvia ceded to Russia and construction began during Napoleon's attack of the Russian Empire in 1810. Construction of the fortress, despite lengthy delays, serious floodings and slow construction work, was completed in 1878.
The fortress is the site of the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art centre.
History
General facts and information:
- 10,000 workers built the fortress in two shifts.
- In 1812, the fortress was attacked by the French Army of 24,000 men. The fortress was still under construction and was defended by 3300 men and 200 cannons.
- The fortress was a significant, modern military centre of the Russian Empire.
- For a long time it was a defense base of the western frontier of the Russian Empire.
- The direct route taken by Russian nobles and Royalty from St. Petersburg (then capital of the Russian Empire) to Europe led right through the city of Daugavpils (then named Dinaburg) and Daugavpils Fortress was the place of rest for many nobles including tsars Alexander I, Nicolas I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Russia’s last tsar Nicolas II.
- Latvian independence was officially recognised by Soviet Russia in 1920 and between 1920 and 1940 the fortress became home of the Latvian army.
- During World War II, the hostage camp Stalag 340 was set up in the fortress.
- 1948–1993 – The fortress was home to the Daugavpils Higher School of Military Aircraft Engineering (DVVAIU).
- 1998 – The fortress came under the authority of the State Real Estate Agency of Latvia.
- 2004 – The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia decided to sell the fortress either in parts or as one whole. The fortress's future remains uncertain.
- Urban-travel.org @ The Dinaburg Fortress
Street view
Reviews
08.10.2021
The small and vibrant art gallery in the historical setting, Daugavpils Fortress of early 19th centuries, offering viewers so see and try on stylised historical costumes for all fashion lovers. Nice atmosphere and lovely people! Highly recommend!!!!
08.10.2021
Itei Design invites you to visit its intriguing exhibition of stylised costumes from different historic times, which explores how forms and materials helped in shaping our experience of living. The exhibition gives alternative view on fashion history of 18th and 20th century in Western Europe through the prism of our contemporary experience, tracing the groundwater and hidden currents, where influences and ideas merged together.
15.09.2021
I love the place. Decent sized fortress, nice tour, good gallery there. Lots of old buildings that are vacant. Sometimes it feels a bit like a ghost town.
15.09.2021
A place with an enourmous potential. Many ruined palaces waiting to be rebuilt for their new purposes. The staff in tourist offices is excellent.
15.09.2021
It is truly sad that such a marvelous place is ruined and not cared after. At some points you will be able to take authentic Zombieland pictures.
15.09.2021
The fortress is great, great potential this place has, if restored and cared properly. But for all that the people living there are very proud of it and know its history, which can not but rejoice. And here's the view from the ramparts is simply stunning, there need to rise necessarily!
15.09.2021
The troops of Napoleon, and failed to seize it. In honor of this, the fortress is home to many festivals, the reconstruction of battles.
15.09.2021
The location is excellent, the story, Walker on wollam class.
Do not forget to take the flashlight in the basement dark. There is also a restaurant Matco Rothko the kitchen is not bad, good.
Do not forget to take the flashlight in the basement dark. There is also a restaurant Matco Rothko the kitchen is not bad, good.
15.09.2021
The largest facility of such level in Europe, the fortress remained almost unchanged. Well, except for the effects of time
16.10.2017
Interesting place with great potential. It is a pity that there are not enough funds for restoration!
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