Fortresses

Just 70 km from the bustling heart of Beijing, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a refreshing escape from the city's crowds. This area isn't just about ancient history; it brings a touch of modern fun with its cable car, chairlift, and th

Qasr Al Hosn is an absolute gem in the heart of Abu Dhabi, its oldest and most cherished building. It’s not just a historical site; it’s the city’s first permanent structure with a fascinating past, starting with the watchtower built in the 1790s. Ba

Since its grand opening in 2008, Al Jahili Fort has become a cultural hotspot for those interested in the rich philosophy and heritage of Abu Dhabi, right in the heart of the Garden City. As one of the largest forts in the UAE, it was originally cons

Perched on the steep cliffs of the gorge between Kozjak and Mosor, the Klis Fortress stands with a commanding view, one eye gazing at the sea and the other watching over Zagora. This fortress was established in a remarkable strategic position, allowi

Just a hop and a skip about 5 kilometers southeast of Rovinj lies the intriguing fort of Monkodonja. This ancient site was first uncovered in 1953, sparking a wave of excitement among archaeologists and history buffs alike. Since 1997, researchers ha

If you stroll north from the square, passing through the grand main city gate, known locally as Porta di datallo or the Gate of Dates, you'll find yourself ascending the stairs through the charming old part of the city. This area is a delightful maze

Tvrdalj Castle stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of Hvar, a serene island in Croatia. This remarkable fortress was crafted by the celebrated poet Petar Hektorović as a defense against the Turks. Ingeniously constructed by reclaimi

One of the most remarkable landmarks on the island of Hvar is the Church-fort, built in 1571 following a Turkish attack. It stands proudly on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1465. This structure is unique, designed like a fortress comple

Perched majestically on a cliff, Belgrade Fortress offers an unparalleled view where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. As the last elevated terrain of the Balkan Peninsula before the endless plains of the Pannonian Basin stretch toward Central Europe,

Nestled in the heart of history, this building once served as the royal residence for Christian monarchs. Over time, it transformed into the site of the Courts of the Holy Offices, then a civil prison, and later a military prison. It's surrounded by

Nestled in the heart of Romania, the Fortress of Arad is a fascinating relic from the 18th century. Commissioned by the formidable Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa, this imposing structure took shape with a hefty price tag of 3 million Gulden. Back the

Tucked away in the heart of Romania, the Citadel of Șoimoș has been standing tall since the first Tatar invasion, with its history traced back to 1278. This storied fortress proudly sits on the list of historical monuments, a testimony to its endurin

Picture this: You're standing on the rugged coastline of Reposaari, a quaint island in Pori, Finland. Here, nestled in the southern part of the island, you'll find the Reposaari fortress, a fascinating coastal defense system that harks back to the 19

Perched atop a steep, rocky hill, St. Michael's Fortress offers breathtaking views of the numerous islands scattered across the Šibenik archipelago and the charming medieval town below. This fortress has been a stalwart guardian throughout history, s

The Walls of Dubrovnik, or Dubrovačke gradske zidine in Croatian, are an awe-inspiring series of stone fortifications that have stood guard over the city since its early days as a Byzantium castrum. Nestled in southern Croatia, this maritime city-sta

Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress and affectionately dubbed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” is a stunning fortress and theater perched 37 meters above sea level, just outside the western wall of Dubrovnik, Croatia. This iconic structure i

Kula Zakerjan, also known as Berim Tower, is a historical gem nestled in the northern part of Korcula Town, specifically in the Zakerjan area. Constructed between 1481 and 1483 during the reign of Giovanni Mocenigo, the Doge of Venice from 1478 to 14

Nestled at the western tip of the charming Trogir islet, Fortress Kamerlengo stands as a testament to Venetian ingenuity. Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, this imposing structure once served as a strategic naval base, safeguarding Ven

Lotrščak Tower stands as a proud sentinel in the heart of Zagreb, a relic of the city’s medieval past. Constructed in 1266, this fortified tower was once a crucial part of the southern gate and the town's defenses against the advancing Turks. Today,

Picture this: It's A.D. 60. The fierce Iceni tribe of East Anglia, led by the indomitable Boudica, has just faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the Romans somewhere in the Midlands. In response, the Romans are busy constructing a network of forti

Exploring the Alcazaba is like stepping back in time, where history whispers through every stone and archway. With its impressive 1430-meter walled perimeter, it's Spain’s second-largest Muslim construction, right after the famous Alhambra Palace in

Imagine stepping back in time as you explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Birdoswald Roman Fort. This ancient stronghold once housed over 800 Roman soldiers, and today, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman Britain. Nestled within a

Imagine stepping back in time nearly two thousand years to a place where Roman soldiers once gathered and strategized. Perched at the edge of what was then the Roman Empire, Segontium was a bustling hub of activity for over three centuries. It was fo