Fort VIII of the Toruń Fortress

Fort VIII of the Toruń Fortress, also known as Fort VIII Kazimierz Wielki, is an infantry fort built between 1888 and 1890, located at 66 Bielańska Street. After modernization in 1893, the fort—originally named Fort IVb Herzog Albrecht—was armed with six cannons and three armored observation turrets, and its garrison consisted of 300 soldiers. The fort also included five infantry shelters. After 1920, when Toruń returned to Poland, the fort was used as barracks, and in 1925 it became the permanent location of the 4th Air Point. In the tragic circumstances of September 1939, the fort served as a resistance point in Toruń's defense system. After its capture by the Germans, it was converted into a prison for Poles, where detainees were held, including members of the Battalion of Death for Freedom. Many of these individuals were murdered in the fortress or deported to concentration camps. Among the prisoners were music teacher Zygmunt Moczyński and artist Alojzy Liegmann. The fort was bombed by the Red Army in January 1945, and in the late 1950s, an attempt was made to blow it up. Currently, the site has no owner and is systematically being vandalized, despite plans after 2000 to convert it into a dormitory for about 400 people. Fort VIII is commemorated by three mute crosses at the entrance, which serve as a reminder of the Poles imprisoned and tortured by the Germans during World War II. The crosses, part of an artistic installation by Alojzy Liegmann from 1989, are interpreted as swords with empty shields. Additionally, after the war, a Wall of Death was created where residents of Toruń place candles to honor the memory of the murdered Poles. As a historical monument, Fort VIII holds immense significance, reflecting both the tragic fate of Poles during World War II and the architectural features of late 19th-century fortifications.