Fort VII in Poznań

Fort VII, also known as Colomb, is one of the key structures of the Poznań Fortress, located in Wola at al. Polska. Built between 1876 and 1880, the fort was originally named after Friedrich von Colomb and after 1931 was renamed in honor of Major Florian Dąbrowski. The fort played a significant role during the Greater Poland Uprising, when it was threatened with demolition by German defenders. Units of the Polish Military Organization minimized the risk of explosion by cutting off the electricity supply, and the fort was later used as an ammunition depot. Between 1939 and 1944, it served as the KL Posen concentration camp, and towards the end of the war, it was used for the production of radio stations. After World War II, the fort was converted into a warehouse by the Polish People's Army, and since the 1960s efforts have been made to open it to visitors. In 1979, the Museum of Martyrdom of the Greater Poland Region was established within the fortress. Interestingly, since 2000, the fort has been managed by the Military Property Agency, and its grounds are part of the Natura 2000 protected area. Architecturally, the fort features a modern design for its time, lacking an infantry rampart. Its structure was modernized in 1887–1888 and 1913–1914, demonstrating its adaptability and strategic importance over the years. Fort VII is not only a site of military significance but also an important location in the context of local history and culture, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts.