In our vast world, there are many amazing and interesting places. But some of them, unfortunately, are undeservedly forgotten. One of these places is the 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.
Fort History
The need for the construction of the Tarakanovsky fort, which is also called Dubensky, arose at the end of the XVIII century in connection with the cessation of the existence of the Commonwealth.
On October 24, 1975, 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 partition acquired an area 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 XIX century, it was decided to erect defensive structures. One of these structures was the Tarakanovsky fort.
Construction Features
Hill building in the place where the Tarakanovsky fort is located began in the second half of the 19th century. A huge amount was allocated for the construction of the structure - 66 million rubles. The chief architect was appointed military engineer Eduard Totleben. 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, innovative materials for the 19th century were used - cement and concrete.
The fort is built in the shape of a rhombus, the length of which is 240 meters. The fortress was surrounded by a deep moat, in which there were earthen ramparts that strengthen the walls. Inside the fortress walls housed an economic building, which includes warehouses and living quarters. 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 sewage.
Looking at modern photos of the Tarakanovsky fort, even through the veil of desolation, you can see the former power and greatness of the fortress.
Fortress use
It is noteworthy that during the time of its existence the defensive abilities of the fortress were not tested. The main purpose of the fort was to protect the railway lines in the direction of Kiev - Lviv. Military operations in the vicinity of the fort unfolded in 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 expelled from 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 destruction.
During World War II, the soldiers again lost the fort without a fight. During the hostilities, German invaders were based in the fortress. Later, the use of the fort was considered impractical, 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 enormous financial and human resources were expended, remained unclaimed.
In Soviet times, they tried to use the fort as storage facilities. However, due to the high humidity, this idea was unsuccessful.
Description of the fortress
When describing the Tarakanovsky fort, it should be noted 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 turned into wild impenetrable jungle.
To get to the territory of the fort, whose area is about 4 hectares, you can only through a long tunnel made in the hill. In the center of the fort is the main building. 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. Along the perimeter of the fortress are the buildings of the casemates.
Tarakanovsky fort today is a cluster of dilapidated buildings, overgrown with dense greenery. But in the outlines of the ruins, the former greatness and power of the fortress is still guessed. In the reviews of tourists, there is often a comparison of the fort with ancient temples in the thickets of the Amazon, often depicted in films about Indiana Jones.
How to get to Tarakanovsky fort?
There are several ways to get to the fortress. The fort is located on the southern edge of the small town of Tarakanov in the Rivne region. The easiest way to reach it is following from the city of Dubno to Tarakanov along the highway Kiev - Chop. Having passed 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 marks indicating approaching the target.
It is also possible to get from the Dubno station to the Khlebozavod stop, walk in the direction of travel along the railway line, and soon leave on a country road that will lead to the walls of the fort. The distance you need to go is about two kilometers.
Visit to the fortress
When visiting the fort, several important points to consider. Today the fortress is in disrepair, so you should wander through the ruins with extreme caution. Here and there, bricks poured from the walls. Countless underground passages are another danger in which you can easily get lost.
For these reasons, during the first visit to the fort, you should take advantage of the tour services that local residents gladly offer for a low fee.
You can get to the territory of the fortress by going through a tunnel in the outer wall. Despite the many trials that have befallen the fort, one can easily imagine how the fortress looked several centuries ago.
The fort has two lines of defense. The first line (supporting 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 (earthen rampart) is based on casemates encircling the fort inside. In the center of the defensive fortress there is a two-story officer corps.
Mysteries of the fort
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 fans of riddles. Some passages are piled up and concreted, some have not been found.
Locals talk about ghosts that allegedly inhabit the walls of the fort. As if confirmation of these legends, grave hills are found at the walls of the fortress . This is the burial of Austrian soldiers who died during the Brusilovsky breakthrough. There are also stories about the disappearance of tourists who risked exploring the dangerous sections of the fortress.
Fort reviews
It is unlikely that you can find negative reviews about the Tarakanovsky fort. Someone is attracted by mystery, someone is delighted with 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.
Attractions
Tarakanovsky fort, or New Dubenskaya fortress, is far from the only attraction in the district. Tourists who decide to devote several days traveling to the Dubensky district of the Rivne region can visit the Dubensky castle. This castle was built in the fourteenth century by order of Prince Ostrog. The fortress played an important role in many historical events.
Lovers of romance can visit the Tunnel of Love in the village of Klevan. The tunnel is formed by a hedge of overgrown trees that braid an abandoned railway line.
In the village of Onishkivtsi, Dubensky district, there is a monastery of St. Righteous Anna of 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 destroyed by the Austrians during the First World War. Later, the church was ruined by the Soviet government. The new church was built only in the eighties of the last century.