In our vast world, there are many amazing and interesting places. But some of them, unfortunately, are undeservedly forgotten. One of these places is Tarakanovsky Fort. This fortress is of unique cultural and historical value. In addition, a visit to the fort, no doubt, will not leave indifferent lovers of secrets and mysteries of antiquity.
History of the fort
The need to build Tarakanovsky Fort, also called Dubensky, arose at the end of the 18th century in connection with the demise of the Commonwe alth.
On October 24, 1795, the Polish-Lithuanian state was liquidated. In world history, this event is better known as the Third Partition of Poland. As a result, the Russian Empire, participating in the division, acquired a territory of more than 120 thousand square kilometers. This territory included most of the Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Belarusian lands.
To protect the acquired possessions at the beginning of the 19th century, it was decided to build defensive structures. One of these structures was Tarakanovsky Fort.
Construction Features
Building up the hill in the place where the Tarakanovsky Fort is located began in the second half of the 19th century. A huge sum of 66 million rubles was allocated for the construction of the structure. Military engineer Eduard Totleben was appointed chief architect. Construction lasted 30 years and was completed in 1890.
At that time, the fort was rightfully considered the most modern fortification in Russia. For its construction, materials innovative for the 19th century were used - cement and concrete.
The fort is built in the shape of a rhombus, the side length of which is 240 meters. The fortress was surrounded by a deep moat, in which there were earthen ramparts that strengthened the walls. Inside the fortress walls there was an economic building, which included warehouses and living quarters. The casemates, located along the perimeter of the fortress, could accommodate up to 800 people. There were an infirmary and an operating room, wells and warehouses, armories and much more. Each casemate was equipped with ventilation and heating systems, as well as plumbing and sewerage.
Looking at modern photos of Tarakanovsky Fort, even through the veil of desolation, one can see the former power and grandeur of the fortress.
Using the fortress
Remarkable is the fact that during its existence the defensive capabilities of the fortress were never tested. The main purpose of the fort was to protect the railway lines in the direction Kyiv - Lvov. Military operations in the vicinity of the fort unfolded during the First World War. In 1915, the fort was surrendered without a fight,and the Austrian military was stationed in the fortress for about a year. The Austrians were forced out of the walls of the fort only in the summer of 1916 during the offensive operation of the Russian troops led by General Brusilov. The fort was liberated but suffered significant damage.
During World War II, the soldiers again lost the fort without a fight. During the hostilities, the German invaders were based in the fortress. Later, the use of the fort was considered inappropriate, since, according to many military leaders, the location of the fortress was not of strategic importance. Thus, the colossal structure, for the construction of which huge financial and human resources were spent, remained unclaimed.
In Soviet times, they tried to use the fort as a warehouse. However, due to high humidity, this idea was not successful.
Description of the fortress
When describing the Tarakanovsky fort, one should note its main feature, which distinguishes it from other structures of this type. The fortress is almost impossible to find without knowing its exact location. Standing at the foot of the Tarakanovsky Fort, the visitor will see only a high hill covered with thickets. It is interesting to note that during construction, the area around the fort was specially planted with plants characterized by abundant foliage. Today, these plants have become a wild impenetrable jungle.
Getting into the territory of the fort, whose area is approximately 4 hectares, is possible only througha long tunnel dug into the hill. The main building is located in the center of the fort. The height of the building above the ground is two floors, and the number of underground floors is still not known exactly. According to local residents, the depth of some wells, which are found at almost every step in the fort, is four floors. Casemates are located along the perimeter of the fortress.
Tarakanovsky fort today is a cluster of dilapidated buildings overgrown with dense greenery. But in the outlines of the ruins, the former grandeur and power of the fortress are still guessed. Tourist reviews often compare the fort to ancient temples in the Amazon thicket often depicted in Indiana Jones films.
How to get to Tarakanovsky Fort?
There are several ways to get to the fortress. The fort is located on the southern outskirts of the small town of Tarakanov in the Rivne region. The easiest way to get to it is from the city of Dubno to Tarakanov along the Kyiv-Chop highway. After driving along the town, you need to turn off the road to the left onto a dirt road. It is very important not to pass by, you need to focus on a high hill, as there are no other identification signs indicating the approach to the target.
It is also possible to get from the railway station in Dubno to the Khlebozavod stop, go in the direction of travel along the railway line, and soon go out onto a country road, which will lead to the walls of the fort. The distance to be covered is about two kilometers.
Visit the fortress
When visitingthe fort should take into account several important points. To date, the fortress is in disrepair, so wandering through the ruins should be done with extreme caution. Bricks are falling here and there from the walls. Another danger is the countless underground passages where you can easily get lost.
For these reasons, when visiting the fort for the first time, you should take advantage of the guided tour services that the locals are happy to offer for a low fee.
You can enter the territory of the fortress by going through a tunnel in the outer wall. Despite the numerous trials that befell the fort, one can easily imagine what the fortress looked like several centuries ago.
The fort has two lines of defense. The first line (retaining wall) is decorated on the inside with pilasters and arches of various shapes, some of which lead to the dungeon of the fortress. The second line (earth rampart) rests on the casemates encircling the fort inside. A two-story officer corps is located in the center of the defensive fortress.
Fort Mysteries
The fortress is shrouded in secrets and legends. Most of the legends of the Tarakanovsky fort are associated with a huge number of underground passages. It is not known for certain how many floors are underground. In addition, many moves have not yet been studied by riddle fans. Some passages are littered and concreted, some have never been found.
Locals talk about ghosts that supposedly live in the walls of the fort. As if confirmation of these legends, there are burial mounds near the walls of the fortress. This is the burial place of Austrian soldiers who died during the Brusilov breakthrough. There are also stories about the disappearance of tourists who ventured to explore the dangerous parts of the fortress.
Fort reviews
It is hardly possible to find negative reviews about the Tarakanovsky Fort. Someone is attracted by mystery, someone admires the power of the fortress walls, someone is fascinated by the amazing harmony of wildlife and dilapidated buildings. We can say with confidence that a visit to the Tarakanovsky Fort will not leave anyone indifferent. Everyone will find something new, exciting and amazing for themselves.
Sightseeing surroundings
Tarakanovsky Fort, or New Dubno Fortress, is far from the only attraction in the area. Tourists who decide to spend a few days traveling around the Dubno district of the Rivne region can visit the Dubno Castle. This castle was built in the fourteenth century by order of Prince Ostrozhsky. The fortress played an important role in many historical events.
Romance lovers can visit the Tunnel of Love in the village of Klevan. The tunnel is formed by a hedge of overgrown trees that weaves around an abandoned railway line.
In the village of Onishkovtsy, Dubensky district, there is a skete of the Holy Righteous Anna of the St. Nicholas Convent with a healing spring. The first mention of these places dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century. Then on the site of today's monastery stood the Holy Trinity Church, which was destroyedAustrians during the First World War. Later, the church was destroyed by the Soviet authorities. The new church was only built in the 1980s.
