The Boyen Fortress was built between 1844 and 1856 and it is an
excellent example of Prussian fortification. The Fortress obtained its name
after the Prussian general, von Boyen, who as the first presented the idea of
building such military structure in the centre of the region of the Great Masurian
Lakes.
The Boyen Fortress - Photo J. Krajewski - Municipality of Gizycko
The Fortress is surrounded by a 2303-meter-long stone-brick wall and composed
of six bastions: LEOPOLD, LUDWIK, HERMAN (three names of general von Boyen),
RECHT, SCHWERT and LICHT. Four gates lead to the internal part of the Boyen
Fortress where the following buildings can be found: barracks, arsenal, artillery
positions, but also bakery or pigeon post station.
The Boyen Fortress - Photo J. Krajewski - Municipality of Gizycko
During I World War the Boyen Fortress proved its strategic importance when
a very tough battle between Russian and Prussian troops took place in August
1914. Furthermore, the Fortress was defended once more in February 1945 when
the Red Army had to retreat after an unsuccessful attack against German soldiers.
The Boyen Fortress - Photo J. Krajewski - Municipality of Gizycko
After WW II the Boyen Fortress
was used by the army until 1957, then it became the property of the town of Giżycko and several local
firms were located there. Since early 90's the Fortress has been considered as
a tourist product, therefore various initiatives to develop its functionality were
undertaken.
The Boyen Fortress - Photo K. Butkiewicz - Municipality of Gizycko
Nowadays, the fortification offers such tourists facilities as museums
(eg. The "Destroyed Mazury" exhibition showing the reality of the I WW, The "Solidarność" exhibition that presents
the history of the prodemocratic opposition of the 80's), walking paths, bicycle
routes and youth hostel. What is more, the Boyen Fortress amphitheatre hosts numerous
cultural events including the biggest shanty festival of Europe
called "Shanty in Giżycko".
Contact:
English, Polish
Ms Magdalena Fuk
Tel.: +48 87 428 55 82
E-mail:
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English, Polish
Mr Rafał Ciechanowicz
Tel: +48 (87) 428 55 82
E-mail:
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