Main armored fort 44 "Tonie"

The Main Armored Fort 44 Tonie is a significant structure of the Kraków Fortress, located at Jurajska Street. It was constructed in 1878 as an earth-and-wood fort and was later rebuilt into a permanent artillery fort between 1883 and 1885. As part of modernization efforts from 1902 to 1909, the fort underwent structural changes, including the reinforcement of the artillery rampart and the construction of new shelters, making it one of the most resilient structures in the fortress against enemy fire. Equipped with a variety of armaments, such as cannons and machine guns, Fort 44 Tonie was one of the most advanced forts by 1914. Due to the high modernization costs, which amounted to 2,936,406 crowns, it was considered part of the elite Austrian forts. During the interwar period, the fort remained unused due to moisture issues, but it played a role in the defense of the "Kraków" Army in 1939. After the war, the fort served as an ammunition storage facility for the military. In 2008, it was taken over by the Janus Foundation for Active Protection of Technical Monuments and Cultural Heritage, which has been conducting conservation work and organizing the Open Fortress Museum on-site. An interesting fact is that despite significant damage during World War II, the fort has retained many elements of its original architecture, making it a fascinating destination for history and fortification enthusiasts. Today, the fort is periodically open to visitors, allowing them to explore its rich history and unique structure.