Main Artillery Fort 47 "Bald Mountain"

Fort 47 Łysa Góra, located near Węgrzce, is one of the forts of the V defensive sector of the Kraków Fortress. Its construction began in 1872 and was completed in 1885. As the only artillery fort in this complex, it features a brick structure with minor concrete elements, making it a unique site. The fort is characterized by assertive architecture, an asymmetrical outline, specific casemate arrangement, and two horizontal caponiers. Its unconventional form and structural solutions reflect a transitional period in fortress architecture, where old techniques were being replaced by new ones. Before World War I, the fort underwent modernization, including the replacement of cannons, modification of embrasures, and the addition of new shelters and observation posts. However, these changes did not significantly enhance its combat potential, as it remained equipped with 24 rampart guns. By 1914, the garrison had been reduced to 436 personnel, and its armament was scaled back, highlighting the fort's inadequacy in the face of modern warfare. After World War I, the fort served as barracks for the Polish Army. In the post-war period, it underwent numerous alterations, including instances of devastation. In recent years, the fort has passed into private ownership and was adapted into a motel, a move that has sparked controversy due to the site's historical significance. Fort 47 Łysa Góra is not only an intriguing example of fortress architecture but also an important part of Kraków's defensive history. Its complex construction history, marking a breakthrough in fortress engineering, serves as a reminder of the site's enduring spirit, which, despite challenges, remains a witness to the past.