The atlas of Kaunas fortress

[Guest Volandkovna]

New book is published: The Atlas of Kaunas Fortress

ISBN 978-9955-39-080-0

Vladimir Orlov, Jelena Vitkauskiene (translator), Vladimir Kalinin (editor)

68 pages, hard-cover, format: 28x40, full-color.

Price: 30 euro + delivery.

Orders: vladimir@karopaveldas.lt; orlov.kovna@gmail.com

The city of Kaunas underwent significant changed in terms of development in the years 1882 – 1915. In those 33 years Kaunas witnessed construction and upgrade of a first-class land fortress – an important part of Russian Empire military doctrine in Europe. Kaunas was selected as a location for the fortress not by accident – its strategic location, unique landscape, significantly located routes and railways earned Kaunas an important place in the military doctrine of the Russian Empire.

The fortress complex consisted of defense and non-defense objects as well as infrastructure elements. In accordance to fort fortification principle Kaunas was encircled by the ring comprised of nine forts and ten batteries, beyond which, two kilometers away, was another ring made up of central fortifications. Kaunas suburbs were augmented to include military camps or towns to accommodate 15 000 – strong garrison, ammunition stores, artillery workshops; a set of administration buildings was erected in the city centre. All fortress objects were connected by means of a narrow railway. A fortress main temple, St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral became a symbol of the fortress power and imperial might; military parades held on the streets of Kaunas, together with the efforts of the administration fortress strove to make every Kaunas resident feel as if they were members of the garrison.

The fortress became a major centre of attraction within Kaunas and its adjacent areas. Thousands of soldiers, modern military machinery, exceptional city – fortress rhythm of life, millions of rubles invested in fortifications and infrastructure – this is the incomplete list of changes brought on Kaunas by the fortress. Such was an impact of Kaunas fortress, that even now, after the city’s expansive development, when only several fortress structures still remain – an ordinary person can hardly perceive this legacy as a whole.

The battle of two gigantic empires which gave rise to the World War, ended up in their demise; Lithuania however was granted an opportunity to regain its independence. No witnesses of those events have lived to this day to tell the tale of the huge Kaunas fortress construction effort, soldiers and military on the streets, tension of war months, German artillery cannonade and the city’s occupation. However, the most significant witness remained – imposing and extraordinary heritage – the complex of Kaunas fortress to which the present book is dedicated.

Recently, Kaunas fortress has been the subject of many talks. Scientific conferences, articles and dedicated periodicals study Kaunas fortress, details of its existence and downfall. However one cannot just talk about the fortress – it has to be seen, a unique monument of architecture and urbanism; a source of the living history, invaluable testament to the efforts of the people - from honorary generals to humble peasants - who built it, prepared it for action and died on its fortifications.

Kaunas fortress is arguably the only first – class fortress of the Russian Empire in Europe that still remains. Its legacy is vast and consists of several hundred structures – administration buildings, forts, batteries, military towns, storehouse complexes, churches, roads, shelters. The fortress elements are scattered in the entire territory of Kaunas, most of the objects are not adapted or refined for tourism. Hundreds of the fortress defense objects are left to their fate and often fall prey to vandals. This is the sad current state of the complex – and this is our common problem. The root of the problem lies not solely with economic reality and lack of funding. The most important issue is the lack of competence, professionalism and motivation – something which cannot be bought.

This atlas will help to learn about most important elements of the Kaunas fortress heritage. One can find here authentic fortification plans, drawings of their composite parts and archive photographs of the structures. The large-scale format of the atlas and its high quality allow to recognize smallest details while the accompanying comments enable understanding of the fortifications’ characteristics and designation. Separate chapters are dedicated to non-defense elements of the fortress – storehouses, infrastructure elements, barracks. Nearly all material collected here is published here for the first time. The concept of the atlas as such did not provide for publishing material descriptive in nature – however, more detailed information is available in V. Orlov’s book “History of Kaunas fortress” (published in Lithuanian only).

[Pete1052]

Thanks for the review of the book, Volandkovna. Kaunas sounds as though it would be an interesting place to visit. Do you live there?

[John Gilinsky]

I also wish to thank you. It is a reminder that there are a great many WWI Eastern Front sites and structures still around despite the passage of time,WW2, political neglect etc...

John

Toronto

[Guest Volandkovna]

Kaunas is realy intrestig fortress, so if you decide to visit it please contact me and I will help you. These defences were realy forgotten because of many reasons, now we are trying to change this situation.

[John Gilinsky]

Thanks. I might suggest that you post or create a website just on the fortress with modern aerial satellite photos, old prints or postcards, archival documents, local records reflecting the social, economic and cultural impacts of the fortress on the local communities and region. I know a lot of work but it will attract a fair number of tourists.

John

Canada