Bobruisk. Ruins of the fortress.

In anticipation of a possible war with Napoleon, it was planned to prepare the western regions of the Russian Empire for war, and to build defensive fortifications for this purpose. It was planned to lay fortifications in Rogachev, Dinaburg and Bykhov. Major General, engineer Karl Opperman, after inspecting the western border, began to insist on the construction of a fortress on the Berezina River in Bobruisk as an alternative to the fortress at Rogachev on the Dnieper. On June 20, 1810, Alexander I finally approved the master plan for the Bobruisk fortress developed by Opperman. According to Opperman's plan, the entire historical territory of the city on the western bank of the Berezina was allocated for the fortress.

During intensive work on the structure, ramparts were poured, earthen fortifications were arranged, eight bastions were built and internal buildings were created. Construction materials were supplied from different parts of the empire: Karelia, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. Construction was carried out using innovative developments and advanced construction equipment was used. By the end of 1811, the fortress already had great power. At that time it was considered one of the best in Belarus. At the beginning of the war of 1812, about 300 guns were put into service at the Bobruisk fortress, and more than 4 thousand people were accommodated. The walls were up to 10 bricks thick, making them impenetrable to artillery.

After the war, the construction of the Bobruisk fortress was continued: the territory was increased, additional fortifications were erected, and streets and boulevards were developed. The new architect A. Staubert was a supporter of the classical style. Cathedral Square appeared in the Bobruisk Fortress, with a hospital, a headquarters building, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral located on it; additional towers and bastions appeared.

By the end of the 19th century, the fortress lost its military purpose. In June 1941, the fortress was occupied by German soldiers and a concentration camp for Soviet prisoners of war was organized in it. In November, the Germans set fire to the fortress and carried out mass executions.

In 2002, the historical and architectural monument “Bobruisk Fortress” was included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus, and reconstruction of the fortress began. The buildings have been partially restored; today you can see the bridgehead redoubts, casemates, Oppermann Tower and other utility buildings - but most of them are in ruins.

A full description of the “Bobruisk Fortress” and an interesting exhibition are presented in the Bobruisk Museum of Local Lore.