Study Tours

History and architecture to touch

Bulwarks against France (1815-1866)

In order to secure the German Federation from revolutionary movements and possible expansion plans by ambitious neighbours, some fortresses were declared federal fortresses and expanded in 1815. These included Mainz (1825), Luxemburg and Landau (1831), Rastatt and Ulm (from 1841).

Until today federal fortifications are monumental buildings that have no rivals. With their size and their disarming functionality they belong to the very special representatives of the Architectura Militaris. This interesting study tour makes you experience history and architecture and make you find little details like the double headed federal eagle on all gun barrels of the federal fortifications.

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DE: In Napoleon's footsteps along the Elbe river

Saxony's fascinating fortress monuments under the influence of a conquerer

On his conquest across Europe Napoleon occupied the kingdom of Saxony, from where he would then operate against Prussia and Austro-Hungary. He cunningly used the strategically important Elbe valley for further expansion of fortress constructions and to proctect against neighbouring monarchies.Today, these historical fortress monuments are full of life and attractive to a diverse audience.

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DE: Prussias sabre-rattling on the River Elbe

Fortress constructions to secure the new European great power

Expanding Prussia brought the Elbe to the big oceans as an important way for shipping and transportation. England and France threatened from the sea, Saxony and partly Napoleon threatened from the South. Therefore the Hohenzollern built mighty fortresses at strategically important places far into the inner land, which can be seen and visited until today. Former fortresses like Hamburg, Harburg, Stade and Dömitz were integrated systematically into their strong defence band along the Elbe.

Discover historical and living fortress monuments along the Elbe and stroll around the Altmark's city history in Tangermünde or Havelberg.

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DE: Fortresses of the Protestants

Fortress Frontlines in Franconia resulting from Reformation and Counter-Reformation

The great cultural heritage of Franconian fortifications mainly developd as a result of religious wars raging at the end of the middle age. With Martin Luther's founded liberalisation of faith in the time of Reformation, the Holy Roman Empire underwent its biggest shock. More and more feufal houses converted to the Protestant Church and turned their back on the Catholic Church. Under the holy cross, opposing camps upgraded and built mighty fortresses for the proctection of their territories and properties. Nowhere else in Europe, is fortress construction that close and directly targeted against one another. FORTE CULTURA® provides insights into this very special Franconian History.

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DE: Franconian Bulwarks of the Roman Clergy

Fortress Frontlines in Franconia resulting from Reformation and Counter-Reformation

The grand heritage of Frankish fortress monuments originated mainly from the religious wars at the end of the Middle Ages. Under the holy cross, opposing camps upgraded and built mighty fortresses for the proctection of their territories and properties. Today, the former strongholds of the clergy and of noble houses are places of culture, leisure and an attractive touristic offer. Discover Franconian strongholds - full of surprises and exciting experienes.

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IT: Austrian "Quadrilateral Fortification Complex" in northern Italy meets historical cultural cities

The regional defence and fortification design Verona – Peschiera del Garda - Mantua - Legnago

The northern Italian Quadrilateral Fortification System Verona - Peschiera del Garda – Mantua – Legnago is one rare example of a regional fortification complex in Europe. The Austro-Hungarian monarchy planned to protect this occupied Italian area.

Discover the fascinating history and architecture with our travel recommendation.

Cultural RouteFortified Monuments

Study Tours

History and architecture to touch

DE/ LUX: German Federal Fortifications

Bulwarks against France (1815-1866)

DE: In Napoleon's footsteps along the Elbe river

Saxony's fascinating fortress monuments under the influence of a conquerer

DE: Prussias sabre-rattling on the River Elbe

Fortress constructions to secure the new European great power

DE: Fortresses of the Protestants

Fortress Frontlines in Franconia resulting from Reformation and Counter-Reformation

DE: Franconian Bulwarks of the Roman Clergy

Fortress Frontlines in Franconia resulting from Reformation and Counter-Reformation

IT: Austrian "Quadrilateral Fortification Complex" in northern Italy meets historical cultural cities

The regional defence and fortification design Verona – Peschiera del Garda - Mantua - Legnago

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