City’s Bastion Fortifications

Under the guidance of the engineer Charles Rose, the city was to be encircled with Holland-type fortifications, eastward from the former church of the St. John. Moulds and bastions measuring approximately 3.5 metres high were formed, and outer ditches (moats) were dug.  Because of their size, the city’s fortifications are categorized as being amongst the great royal castles. The onstruction works were finished only in the late 17th century-early 18th century. Later, in the 18th century, the moulds were reconstructed. At the time Klaipėda boasted modern and complex fortification system. The city was surounded by bastion fortifications from the East and South, and secured by the Naujoji Danė River in the North, the only access to the city was via the three gates named after their main objects. The latter two were built upon earthen ramparts.

Today, the former fortification system can be best observed at the end of Turgaus Street, from the bastions referred to in the historical records as the Geldern and Purmark. In front of the bastions you can see the water-area of the defensive ditch/moat, and the only surviving ravelin.

Photos:

• https://klaipedatravel.lt/places/jono-kalnelio-bastionai/