Audiotour Daugavpils Fortress

The Daugavpils or Dinaburg Fortress is the only early 19th-century military fortification in Northern Europe that has been preserved without significant alterations. Construction of the Dinaburg Fortress was commenced in preparation for Napoleon’s invasion, and in 1812 the unfinished fortress was able to repel the first attacks from Napoleon’s army successfully. The fortified territory is massive and occupies over 150 hectares.

When the construction was fully completed in 1878, the fortress was already obsolete and became the last bastion-style fortress constructed in Europe.

From 1947 to 1993, the whole territory of the fortress citadel was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR, and the Military School of Aviation Engineers was located here.

The Fortress is also a home for the Mark Rothko Art Center. Daugavpils was the birthplace of Mark Rothko and this city left a huge impact on the art of one of the best expressionism artists ever. His painting No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red) is the 7th most expensive artwork ever sold. Mark Rothko Art Center here is the only place in Eastern Europe, where you can see his original works of him.

Even though this tour might not be too lengthy, it packs quite a big dose of military and Russian Empire history as well as art objects and shows respect to various historical figures who lived or worked here throughout the time. The Daugavpils Fortress is an extraordinary place with its unique feeling and soul.