World War One Sites - The NETWORLD Database

Josefov Fortress, Jaromer, Czech Republic

The Josefov Fortress is a late 18th century large historic defense complex, almost 300 ha large. It was built as protection against a Prusian attack, but never saw battle. For most of the 19th century, it was mainly used as garrison town and military prison. It was home for the  k.u.k. Infanterieregiment Nr. 92. During WWI, it was also used as POW camp.

 

 

 

Czech Republic, Hradec Králové Region

Type of WWI-heritage

  • Military Fortification

Dimensions

289 ha

State of repair/preservation

Various

Historical WWI Context

Josefov Fortress is an old and now protected town fortress.

In 1780, the original inhabitants of the village were moved out and a large fortres was built controlling the river Metuje. It is set up as a large military defense complex including a fast network of underground passages, moats and walls. Over 20 000 people, of those 11 000 soldiers, worked for seven years to get the main complex ready, but building continues for decades. Inside the fortifications, houses were built for crafts people, traders, and other civilians needed to help run the fortress. These houses had to fit within the defensive task of the fortress, and became a prime example of modern town planning. 

The fortress never saw battle but became a garrison and military prison town.

During WWI it was used as a POW camp and as training area for the Austro-Hungarian army. After the war as intenment camp for deserted Russian military. The Czech military continued to use the facilites until 1968. After the Russian invasion of 1968, the Russians destroyed most of the 20th century facilities.

Already in the 1920s, the historic value fo the fortress was recognized, and efforts to preserve as much as possible of the original fortress and town layout have continued ever since. Today, the fortress is under protection and care is taken for it also by volunteers and non-profits. 

 

The Military Cemetery of Josefov is located two kilometer west of the fortress. 

State of legal protection

Town Heritage Reserve

Owner

Town of Jaromer

Kind of cultural use of WWI

http://josefov.com/josefov_english.htm

http://www.pevnostjosefov.cz/en/history-english/

The Josefov Fortress is also part of the educational trail "Česká Skalice-Svinišťany-Josefov 1866", which mainly focuses on the 1866 Austria - Prussian War.  Although Josefov was not the location of the battle, as garrison town it was closely linked to it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening

The Fortress now is part of the town of Jaromer. Some parts are public, other parts are under access restriction. 

Below is the link to entrance fees and opening hours of the restricted areas and museums included in the fortress.

http://www.pevnostjosefov.cz/portfolio/bastion-1/

 

 

Entrance Fee

Variable on extend of visit, all-inclusive ticket is 180 CZK (2017 price level).

Information regarding cities, villages, other touristic attractions (non-WWI) nearby

The Josefov Fortress now is part of the Town of Jaromer, and is a major tourist destination in itself. Jaromer

http://josefov.com/josefov_english.htm

http://www.pevnostjosefov.cz/en/history-english/

www.jaromer-josefov.cz/leisture/culture/

The Town of Hradec Kralove is 15 km southwest of Jaromer. It is a major town (almost 100 000 inhabitants) with all ammenities and facilities. 

www.hradeckralove.eu/tourists

Accomodation

There are several hotels and B&B in Jaromer and surrounding. 

Public Transport

Reguar train and bus from the Town of Hradec Kralove, a major regional town. The Josefov Fortress is a few hundred meters from the main Jaromer train station and can also be reached by bus.

Other heritage sites nearby

Museums Private Collections

Location

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