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 at a strategic 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, the 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 Barbarossa, the fortress was defended by Soviet forces against the German army, and thus it played a crucial role in WWII.
Brest fortress Today
The 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 Location
Brest Fortress is located at the Belarusian border with Poland, in the city of Brest.