Fort №4

Fort No. 4 is one of the elements of the defensive belt of the Brest Fortress, located near Brest. This place is of particular interest to fans of military history and architecture, and is often included in tours around Belarus. Despite the partial loss of its original appearance, the fort has preserved the atmosphere of the late 19th – early 20th century, making it attractive for educational trips and tourist routes. You can book a guided tour of the fort to experience history firsthand.

History of Construction

The fort was built between 1883 and 1888 as part of the fortified line along the western border of the Russian Empire. Initially, it was a casemated earthen battery surrounded by moats filled with water. Between 1912 and 1915, the fort was significantly modernized: its outlines changed, and the brick walls were reinforced with ultra-strong concrete. Until 1915, it housed the 6th Company of the Brest-Litovsk Fortress Artillery. During the retreat of the Russian army in 1915, the fort was partially blown up to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

Architecture of the Fort

Fort No. 4 combined features of both earthen and concrete fortifications. During the modernization, its structure was reinforced: concrete ceilings were added, and the internal layout was improved. Today, the site retains remnants of a concrete shelter, a brick casemate, a section of the central gallery, and a fragment of a waterlogged moat. These elements allow visitors to visualize what the fort looked like in the early 20th century. Currently, part of the fort is occupied by a military fire station.

Guided Tours of the Fort

Fort No. 4 is part of the itineraries of tours around Belarus dedicated to the history of the Brest Fortress and the defensive structures of the Russian Empire’s borders. The tour from Minsk is especially popular, covering the fort and other landmarks of the Brest region. During the visit, tourists can explore the surviving parts of the fort, listen to stories about the garrison’s history, and learn about the fort’s fate during World War I. You can book a tour of the site in advance on the website ekskursii.by.