Fort Batowice
Explorer of Kraków's Parks · no. 58
Park type: historic. In this park you can collect a stamp in the "Explorer of Kraków's Parks" campaign run by Kraków's Municipal Greenery Authority (ZZM). Where to find the stamp: to the right of the fort entrance.
History
Fort 48 Batowice was a standard artillery fort of the Kraków Fortress. It was built in 1883-1885, when the third ring of the fortress was being constructed. The single-storey brick building has a concrete ceiling, and guns stood on its rampart. In 1910-1911 the fort was rebuilt, among other things by strengthening the main shelter. Its job was to guard the Warsaw road, and in November 1914, during the First World War, it fought an artillery duel with the Russians. The army used it until 1974, after which it became a warehouse. Today the fort is surrounded by greenery with paths and benches, trees even grow out of its roof, and bats like to visit.
Did you know?
Since 2013 the fort has hosted Living History Lessons, where you can see old weapons and watch a battle staged by re-enactment groups.