This fortress is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers – the Vistula and the Narew. Its defences were repeatedly rebuilt and contain elements of French, Russian and Polish fortifications. The fortress in Modlin had to be defended four times, in 1813, 1831, 1915 and 1939. In 1806 Napoleon began construction of several forts on the lands of the Duchy of Warsaw, of which Modlin was one.

Using the natural features of the land, on the right bank of the River Vistula an earth and wooden fortress was built, oval in shape with five bastions and open on the side of the river. Later the fortress in Modlin was extended several times, after the November Uprising and later at the end of the 19th century when an additional ring of forts was added. The main sustainability of the fortress in Modlin are the citadel on the right bank of the River Narew, the fortified bridgeheads in Kazun and Nowy Dwor and two rings of forts.

The fate of the fortress was tragic when it was besieged between 13th and 29th September 1939 by overwhelming German forces. It did not surrender till after the capitulation of Warsaw. The Germans set up a transit camp here in Fort I and a concentration camp in Fort III, where about 20,000 people died.

Modlin Fortress (woj. Mazowieckie)

www.twierdzamodlin.pl