This week TVP World’s Michał Zdanowski returns to the Polish coast and the famous port city of Gdańsk to reveal a significant bygone defense structure.
Standing proudly on the banks of the Martwa Wisła, an old main sea entrance to the Gdańsk port city on the Polish coast, Wisłoujście Fortress is a hidden gem with a rich past.
This centuries-old stronghold has seen battles, changing rulers, and even turned into a haven for wildlife.
This centuries-old stronghold has seen battles, changing rulers, and even turned into a haven for wildlife.
The fortress traces its origins back to the 14th century, when the Teutonic Order ruled Gdańsk. Originally built as a wooden fort to protect the river’s entrance, a key waterway for both trade and military defense, this humble structure was more than just a barrier; it was the gatekeeper to one of Poland's most important waterways.
After a fierce Hussite attack in 1433 left the wooden fort in ruins, the fortress was reborn. In 1482, a new chapter began with the construction of a sturdy brick lighthouse, which would go on to form the core of what we see today.
Over time, the fortress evolved, adapting to the changing tides of military strategy and defense needs.
After a fierce Hussite attack in 1433 left the wooden fort in ruins, the fortress was reborn. In 1482, a new chapter began with the construction of a sturdy brick lighthouse, which would go on to form the core of what we see today.
Over time, the fortress evolved, adapting to the changing tides of military strategy and defense needs.
Layers of history in stone and brick
At its heart stands a circular tower, originally designed as a lighthouse, that has long served as a beacon for ships navigating the waters into Gdańsk’s busy port.
Encircling this beacon were thick brick walls that housed soldiers and officers. But the fortress wasn’t done growing just yet. In the 17th century, the fortress was reinforced with a powerful four-bastion structure called Fort Carré, designed to hold off any would-be invaders.
The final flourish came with the Eastern Sconce, an additional layer of defense surrounded by a wide moat—a perfect barrier to any army hoping to breach the fortress.
Surviving battles and sieges
Wisłoujście Fortress wasn’t just a passive observer of history—it was right in the thick of the action.
In 1577, it stood tall during a brutal siege as Gdańsk fought back against Polish King Stefan Batory.
The fortress again proved its mettle during the Polish-Swedish wars of the 17th century, notably during the 1627 Battle of Oliwa, where Polish forces decimated the Swedish navy just off the coast.
But the following year, the fortress faced its greatest test. In 1628, Swedish artillery pounded the fortress, damaging its walls and sinking several Polish ships moored on the river.
But the following year, the fortress faced its greatest test. In 1628, Swedish artillery pounded the fortress, damaging its walls and sinking several Polish ships moored on the river.
Despite this, Wisłoujście continued to serve as a crucial military stronghold well into the 18th century.
After the Second Partition of Poland in 1793, the Prussians took control, repurposing the fortress for administrative and penal duties and shifting its role from frontline defense to a more administrative and penal function.
As the years wore on, Wisłoujście's military significance began to fade, and by the 19th century, the fortress had turned into a prison and military storage facility.
Yet, it remained a silent witness to the changing tides of history, never losing its place in the heart of Gdańsk.
After the Second Partition of Poland in 1793, the Prussians took control, repurposing the fortress for administrative and penal duties and shifting its role from frontline defense to a more administrative and penal function.
As the years wore on, Wisłoujście's military significance began to fade, and by the 19th century, the fortress had turned into a prison and military storage facility.
Yet, it remained a silent witness to the changing tides of history, never losing its place in the heart of Gdańsk.
From war-torn to protected
World War II left the fortress battered and scarred, but its story wasn’t over. Restoration work began in 1959, breathing new life into the fortress, and by 1974, the Historical Museum of Gdańsk took over its care.
In 2018, Wisłoujście Fortress was officially recognized as a Historic Monument of Poland.
A home for bats
Once the guns went silent and the fortress lost its military significance, Wisłoujście Fortress found a new, unexpected role.
The once-bustling military stronghold became a sanctuary for bats, offering shelter and peace for these often-overlooked creatures.
Over the years, several species, including the Myotis nattereri and Myotis daubentonii, have found refuge within the fortress’s quiet, secluded spaces. A 2005 study documented over 300 bats residing in the fortress, underscoring its unexpected but vital contribution to wildlife conservation.
Wisłoujście today
Today, Wisłoujście Fortress offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into its layered history. Guided tours lead explorers through its impressive defenses, telling the stories of the soldiers who once inhabited the walls and the battles that shaped its destiny.
Located near other iconic Gdańsk landmarks, including Westerplatte where WWII broke out, Wisłoujście makes for a perfect stop on a day of historical exploration.
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