Fort GW XIII "Saint Rideau"

Fort San Rideau, part of the outer ring of forts of the Przemyśl Fortress, was built between 1892 and 1896. Its construction cost 5 million crowns, and initially, an earth-and-wood battery was planned for the site. The trapezoid-shaped fort was equipped with a system of fortifications, including a dry moat, a firing gallery, and armored observation domes. Its main building, which served as both barracks and combat quarters, featured well-organized spaces for the crew, as well as ammunition and supply storerooms. During the second siege of Przemyśl, the fort was blown up and subsequently suffered further damage before being saved by its designation as an architectural monument in 1968. The fort's armament included cannons, howitzers, and mortars, and its garrison consisted of 800 soldiers. After the war, the fort was slated for demolition, but during construction work, a live Russian prisoner of war was discovered, which became the inspiration for the fort's legend. The man had survived eight years in the underground chambers thanks to stockpiled food supplies. The story was reported in the press, though its authenticity remains controversial. Despite the destruction, the fort is open to visitors, and its remains, including the Carnot wall and posterns, attract tourists. In 1984, this story was depicted in the film *Fort 13*, directed by Grzegorz Królikiewicz, further embedding the legend of San Rideau into regional history and culture.