< Fortresses

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 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. 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. 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. 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".