Daugavpils Fortress

Daugavpils Fortress is a unique cultural and historical architectural monument of national importance with a total area of 150 ha. Daugavpils Fortress is also considered as the last bastion-type fortress in the world that has been preserved without any significant alterations since the early 19th century. The construction of the fortress began during Napoleon’s attack on the Russian Empire in 1810 and was resumed immediately after the War in 1812. The fortress from the bird view reminds the shape of a sun or a star but some find relations with a turtle or even a bat. This particular fortification system’s shape was created especially to avoid so-called “dead zones” around the fortress. Accordingly, the enemy can be easily noticed regardless of its location and the territory can be controlled effectively at the same time. It is supposed that 85% of all fortifications remained in its initial condition until nowadays. All these aspects make Daugavpils Fortress one of the most popular tourist attractions in Daugavpils.