Fort II of the Warsaw Fortress

Fort II "Wawrzyszew" is one of the forts of the Warsaw Fortress, built in the 1880s to close the gap between the Kampinos Forest and the Vistula River. It features an irregular structure, which is rare among Russian fortifications of that era on Polish lands. The fort is approximately 400 meters wide and 250 meters deep, surrounded by a wet moat, with its front and right flank protected by earthworks. A semicaponier was constructed on the left flank. A key element of the fort is the brick barracks, which are about 130 meters long and feature distinctive superstructures. The gorge of the fort is defended by a large caponier and a small bastion, further reinforced by an ammunition shelter. After 1909, the fort underwent modernization and was subsequently disarmed and partially dismantled. During World War II, it was used as German storage facilities, and in 1943, it was attacked by a unit of the People's Militia, resulting in the destruction of some of the stored materials. Today, the fort's area is divided into various functions: workshops and warehouses are located in the gorge, while the front part houses a recreational center. The fort's moat is one of the cleanest water bodies in Warsaw, and the fort itself is situated north of Bemowo Airport, accessible via Kalinowa Łąka Street. The fort was entered into the register of historical monuments in 1993, highlighting its historical and cultural significance in the context of Warsaw. An interesting fact is the irregularity of the structure, which stands out among other forts in the region, and despite the partial loss of its original form, the fort remains a testament to Warsaw's rich history and military past.