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The history of Kaunas Fortress and Kaunas Forts
At the end of the 18th c., when Kaunas became the border post of Russia, the Tsar decided to transform the city into a fortress, but the idea materialized only in 1871. Germany finally became united, and there was a need to strengthen the empire’s western borders. In 1880, Tsar Alexander II ratified the Kaunas fortress plan, covering a 15 sq. km area. The work started in 1882-1889, but construction continued until 1915. Stages of construction Construction was carried out in several stages. First, a defense circle consisting of 7 forts and nine batteries, and central fortifications was built. Construction of administrative buildings in the city center, reconstruction, and refinement…