Silver Mountain Fortress

The Silver Mountain Fortress, built between 1765 and 1777 in Lower Silesia, is a monumental stronghold designed by Prussian engineer Ludwig Wilhelm Regler and later modified by King Frederick the Great. Its purpose was to secure Silesia after its conquest by Prussia in 1740. The fortress consists of six forts, including a donjon, which is one of the largest in Europe. The entire structure, with its bastions and casemates, is self-sufficient thanks to numerous facilities such as an armory, bakery, and brewery, as well as vast supplies intended to last for 3–5 months during a siege. Historically, the fortress enjoyed its heyday until 1800, when its supporter Frederick William II died. Its only defensive test came during the 1806 siege by Napoleonic troops, who, however, failed to capture the stronghold. After the war, the fortress served as a prison and military training ground, and by the end of the 19th century, its tourism potential began to be recognized. During World War II, the forts housed a prisoner-of-war camp for Polish officers, and after the war, the fortress fell into neglect. It wasn't until the 1960s that conservation work began, and in 1974, a museum of heavy firearms was opened. Designated a historical monument in 2004, the fortress now hosts various cultural events, including travel festivals and the Silver Run race, as well as regular scouting gatherings. Researchers and scientists have shown interest in the fortress, further boosting its popularity as a site for exploration and tourism. An interesting fact is that there were nine wells inside the fortress, with two—located in the Ostróg fort and the donjon—reaching impressive depths of 84 and 70 meters, respectively.