Daugavpils Fortress (Dinaburg Fortress)
Daugavpils Fortress is a picturesque ancient fortification and one of the main symbols of the Latvian city of Daugavpils. The architectural monument is the only fort in Eastern Europe that has survived without significant rebuilding since the first half of the 19th century, so the military fortress in Daugavpils has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Video: Daugavpils Fortress
Highlights
In different years, the Daugavpils Fortress has housed the armies of various states. It is noteworthy that by 1878, when the fortifications were completed, the fortification structures used here were already outdated. Daugavpils fortress was the last bastion-type fort built in Europe.
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Today the ancient fortress occupies an area of 150 hectares and is located on both banks of the River Daugava. The layout of the fort resembles the structure of an ordinary military town. In its center there is a spacious platz, around which administrative and household buildings, as well as barracks are erected.
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The facades of the old buildings are decorated in the Empire style, while the picturesque Nicholas Gate and the old water tower are built in the Gothic tradition. The high earthen ramparts of Daugavpils Fortress are reinforced by eight powerful bastions. In addition, you can see other fortification structures – fortress ditches, lunettes, counterguards and redoubts.
.Nowadays, the premises of the arsenal house a modern art center, where many works of the famous artist Mark Rothko are exhibited. Works by prominent artists from Latvia and other countries of the world are also exhibited here. In the halls of the Art Center visitors can see paintings, graphics, textile products, author’s ceramics and photographs.
.History of fortifications
The fortress on the banks of the River Daugava, in Dinaburg began to be built in preparation for a possible invasion of Russia by Napoleon’s troops. In 1810 the first stones were laid in its foundations, and two years later the still unfinished fort took the battle and successfully withstood the first attacks of the French.
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Construction work in the fort continued until 1878. In the middle of the XIX century, it had the status of a fortress structure of the first class, that is, it was considered a modern and combat-ready fort. However, the defense value of the fortress was gradually lost, and in 1897 it became the Dvinskaya fortress-warehouse. From 1920 to 1940 the fortress was occupied by a Latvian military garrison, and from 1940 to 1944 it was under Nazi occupation.
.Tourist information
The territory of Daugavpils Fortress is open 24 hours a day and the entrance is free. The Art Center receives guests on Tuesdays from 11.00 to 17.00, from Wednesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 19.00, and on Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00. Tourists can visit Daugavpils Fortress and Art Center on their own or as part of excursions. Those who wish can take part in master classes and look into the workshops where artists work.
.How to get there
Daugavpils Fortress is located in the historical center of the city, on Hospitāļa iela, 3. Walking to the fort from Daugavpils railway station takes 25-30 minutes.
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