Fort II of the Toruń Fortress

Fort II of the Toruń Fortress, located at 2 Leszczynowa Street, is the main artillery fort in Toruń, constructed between 1878 and 1882. It was designed in a pentagonal layout, following the typical blueprint of a small main fort. Its armament included 26 cannons, two flanking batteries, and four observation posts. The fort is surrounded by a counterscarp rampart, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The artillery range extended up to 7.5 kilometers, making it a crucial component of Toruń’s defensive ring, aimed at protecting the city—particularly the Toruń Mokre railway station—from the Prussian-Russian border. After its completion, the fort became part of the first loose defensive ring around the city, alongside Fort XI and the Bridgehead Fort. Following World War I, in 1921, the fort was handed over to the Polish military, which repurposed it as a hospital for internees. In 1922, it housed the 8th Artillery Service Unit. With its rich history and distinctive architecture, Fort II stands as a significant element of Toruń’s cultural heritage. The city, known for its strong military traditions, attracts tourists and historians alike, particularly those interested in the 18th and 19th centuries.