Fort No. 1

Fort No. 1 is a unique monument of early 20th-century military engineering and one of the most atmospheric landmarks on the map of tours across Belarus. It is located near the city of Grodno and represents a monumental fortification structure — part of what was once the powerful Grodno fortress. Dark concrete walls, ruined galleries, and traces of past battles evoke a deep sense of historical presence in visitors.

Today, Fort No. 1 attracts tourists, historians, and schoolchildren who visit it as part of organized tours with guided visits. Here you can learn how the fortifications of the Russian Empire were built, what made the battles of the First and Second World Wars different, and why this very place became a site of fierce resistance. To visit it, you can book a tour, including a tour from Minsk, with an experienced guide who will explain all the historical stages of the fort.

History of Construction

The fort was built between 1913 and 1915, based on the design of the prominent military engineer K.N. Dobrozhinsky. Its construction was part of the Russian Empire’s program to modernize its western borders and strengthen defense against a potential war with Germany. Fort No. 1 became part of a vast system of fortifications covering the Grodno direction.

However, the project could not be fully completed: the outbreak of the First World War accelerated developments. By February 1915, German troops approached the fort and began their assault. The Russian garrison, realizing it was impossible to hold the position, retreated and deliberately destroyed part of the defensive structures to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

The fort again gained strategic importance during the Second World War. In the summer of 1944, during the Red Army’s offensive, fierce fighting took place here against an elite SS tank division. Fewer than a hundred Soviet soldiers held the position for several days, defending the fort against an overwhelmingly superior enemy force. These events are commemorated by a monument near the ruins.

Architecture of the Fort

Fort No. 1 is a typical defensive structure of its time, combining elements of early 20th-century engineering and the practical necessity of protection from artillery fire.

The main feature of the fort is a concrete parapet — an embankment designed for firing and protecting personnel. Beneath it ran a counterscarp gallery — a hidden passage where soldiers could take shelter from shelling and move unseen by the enemy.

The fort was surrounded by a deep triangular ditch to hinder the approach of infantry and equipment. On the left flank of the ditch, construction of a caponier — a separate firing structure — was begun, but not completed before combat operations started. Despite partial destruction, the key architectural elements of the fort have survived to this day, making it an important site for guided tours and the study of fortification history.

Guided Tours of the Fort

Fort No. 1 is part of many tours across Belarus, especially those focusing on military and historical themes. Visiting the fort offers the chance not only to see unique engineering works but also to hear authentic stories of heroism that come alive through the guide’s narration.

You can book a tour that includes a guided visit to the fort from Minsk — these tours include transportation, a guide’s commentary, and the opportunity to visit other local attractions. Such trips are suitable for both school groups and adults interested in military history.

During the tour, visitors walk through preserved galleries, examine the remains of the ditch, visit battle sites, and view the monument to the fallen, gaining deep insight into the military events of the early and mid-20th century. It is not just a walk among ruins but a true immersion into history — which can be arranged in advance through a specialized website — ekskursii.by.