Wisłoujście Fortress

Wisłoujście Fortress, picturesquely situated in Gdańsk on the Martwa Wisła River, is one of the oldest coastal fortifications in Poland, with a history dating back to the 13th century. Initially, it served as a port guardhouse, controlling ship traffic and guiding their way with the light of its lighthouse. Built in various architectural styles, its structure reveals influences of Gothic and Renaissance, as well as centuries of rebuilding following destruction. A distinctive feature is the cylindrical tower, which served as a lighthouse until 1758. The surroundings consist of walls of the fort carré with bastions and moats fed by the waters of the Martwa Wisła. The fortress was repeatedly rebuilt, gaining numerous defensive elements such as ramparts or casemates. The history of Wisłoujście is linked to important military events, including the sieges of Gdańsk in the 17th century, as well as the role of the lighthouse, which later began to lose its significance. In the 19th century, the fortress was converted into a political prison, and after World War II, it gradually fell into disrepair. It was not until the 1950s that restoration work began, and in 1959 it was entered into the register of monuments. Today, it is a branch of the Museum of Gdańsk, open to visitors during the summer season, offering numerous cultural attractions such as naval battle reenactments and craft workshops. An interesting fact is its role as a wintering ground for bats, making it an important site for the protection of these endangered species in Poland. Wisłoujście Fortress, not only a witness to history but also an attractive tourist destination, continues to impress with its architecture and rich cultural heritage.