Bastion V "Lubicz"

Bastion V "Lubicz" is one of the forts of the Kraków Fortress, built between 1861 and 1866 as a standard redoubt fort. It is a twin structure to Bastion III "Kleparz." Architecturally, the fort is distinguished by its central redoubt and a classic moat with caponiers, reflecting the military construction trends of the time. In 1888, the bastion underwent modernization, with traverses added to the rampart, and after 1907, artillery barracks were incorporated into the structure. During World War II, the fort was used as a warehouse, but after the war, it was partially demolished and buried in earth in 1950, leading to its obscurity for many years. Culturally, the bastion and its ruins are an important part of Kraków's historical heritage. The discovery of the ruins during the reconstruction of Mogilskie Roundabout was a significant step toward preserving and promoting local history. Conservation work, completed in December 2008, allowed the remains of the bastion to be showcased, attracting the attention of both residents and tourists. Interestingly, thanks to the excavations carried out, it is possible to better understand both the military and architectural value of this structure, which once played a vital role in the city's defense. Today, the ruins of the bastion and its history are part of Kraków's tourist offerings, highlighting the complexity and richness of local culture and military architecture.