Fort 31 "Benedykt"

Fort 31 "St. Benedict" is a tower fort that forms part of the Krakow Fortress, designed by Krakow architect Feliks Księżarski between 1853 and 1856. Its name comes from the nearby Church of St. Benedict. The fort is situated on Lasota Hill, on the border of the Krzemionki district, intended to secure the forefield connecting Podgórze with Krakow and to protect the Lviv Route (now Wielicka Street). The fort is surrounded by Rękawka Street, B. Limanowski Street, Powstańców Śląskich Avenue, and the Old Podgórze Cemetery. The fort held significant strategic importance, as evidenced by its history as a prison for French prisoners of war during World War II. The structure underwent numerous renovations between 1893 and 1905, as well as after 1918 and 1945, and served as a residential building from 1918 to 1984. Fort 31 "St. Benedict" has been entered into the register of immovable monuments of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Interestingly, despite numerous modernizations and adaptations, the fort has retained its original architectural character, making it an intriguing destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.