Secrets of the Old Fortress

The old Vladivostok Fortress is the city’s most popular and distinct sight. This complex of unique fortifications is rightfully considered one of the most powerful coastal fortresses in the world.

The construction of the fortress started in the late 19th century: after the fall of Port Arthur during the Russian-Japanese war of 1904–1905, the Vladivostok defense fortifications had to be improved.

In the year 1923, an agreement between Russia and Japan about Vladivostok’s demilitarization was signed. However, the Vladivostok Fortress was reactivated in the early 1930s when a new war with Japan was brewing. This was the time when the Voroshilov Battery was built on Russky (Russian) Island.

The Vladivostok Fortress is a giant compound that includes numerous facilities and units. They are scattered over a vast territory, from the suburbs of Vladivostok to the islands of the Peter the Great Bay. You can stumble on fortifications everywhere in Vladivostok.

The Vladivostok fortress has not been involved in military actions, however, the mere fact of its existence accomplished its mission: the military power of the fortress was so imposing that nobody dared to attack the city.

The Vladivostok Digger Club offers guided tours of the Vladivostok Fortress, the Voroshilov Battery Museum, Fort #7, and the coastal batteries near the Russky (Russian) Bridge.