Fort Szcza-M of the Warsaw Fortress

Fort Szcza-M, also known as Fort Rakowiec, is one of the key strongholds of the inner ring of the Warsaw Fortress, constructed in the 1890s. It represents a unique example of military architecture from the Russian Empire, being the only preserved fort among the six standard strongpoints added to the fortress between 1889 and 1892. The fort is characterized by a distinctive trace design, where the junction of the faces is recessed relative to the junctions with the flanks, and it is surrounded by a wide moat. As part of its structure, the fort features two concrete ammunition shelters located beneath the rampart at the junction of the flanks and faces, illustrating the advanced approach to defense at the time. After 1909, the fort was slated for demolition, but for unknown reasons, the order was never carried out, allowing it to survive to the present day. Today, it is well-preserved, situated in a park within the Rakowiec housing estate, between Grzeszczyka and Korotyńskiego Streets, and is the only fortification in Warsaw integrated into the urban fabric. Despite urbanization, the fort has retained its historical value and has become an attraction for local residents. There are also sections of ramparts that connect the fort to other nearby forts, adding to its historical significance. Fort Szcza-M is not only a witness to Warsaw’s military past but also an example of the successful integration of a historical monument into modern urban infrastructure, enriching the cultural and recreational offerings for the city’s inhabitants.