The World’s Most Enchanting and Elusive Sea Fortresses | Volume Two

The World's Most Enchanting and Elusive Sea Fortresses | Volume Two

We already shared 5 breathtaking sea forts with you, but we know you’re eager to see more of these historical marvels. So, here are 5 more forts for you to admire, making it a total of ten. Enjoy!

Trekroner Fort, Copenhagen (Denmark):
Trekroner Fort was built starting in 1787 to protect Copenhagen. It’s the oldest of the forts around the Danish capital and saw action in battles in 1801 and 1807 against Lord Nelson’s British fleet. The fort was reinforced during the early 19th century but lost its military importance after World War I. Since 1984, it’s been open to the public for free every summer, offering sightseeing tours by water.

Murud Janjira Fort, India:
Situated on Janjira Island, this 16-acre fortress was constructed in the 15th century to fend off pirates. For 300 years, it remained unconquerable. The fort boasts two natural freshwater reservoirs and is only accessible by boat. The Murud area, where the fort is located, is known for its beautiful beaches and fishing villages.

Fort Boyard, France:
Originally conceptualized in the 17th century to protect the Rochefort arsenal, Fort Boyard seemed like an impossible dream for a long time. Napoleon Bonaparte eventually ordered its construction between Île-d’Aix and Île d’Oléron in the Pertuis d’Antioche straits, off the west coast of France. Construction halted in 1813 but resumed in 1840, completing in 1870. The fort measures 120 meters long and 48 meters wide. Briefly used as a military prison after 1871, it was abandoned by the Army in 1913. In 2001, it became the filming location for a TV game show of the same name. Now, boat tours depart to the fort from Boyardville and St. Denis d’Oléron.

Nab Tower, near the Isle of Wight:
This fort’s history traces back to 1918 when German submarines were devastating the British merchant fleet. The Admiralty planned to build eight interconnected tower-shaped forts to block enemy ships from entering the Channel. Only one was finished by the war’s end, located near Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, costing over a million pounds at that time. The Nab Tower stands 22 meters tall and has served as an automatic lighthouse since 1983. Recently, work has been done to reduce its height to 11 meters and upgrade its facilities.

Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas, Florida:
Fort Jefferson is a massive fortress constructed from around 16 million handmade bricks starting in 1847, though it was never fully completed. The Dry Tortugas area in Florida is stunning, featuring seven islands with a rare blend of natural and historical significance. The site boasts perfect beaches and coral reefs alongside the fortress. Originally designed to protect strategic waters for the United States, the fort housed Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It served as a federal possession during the Civil War, hosting prisoners and deserters. In 1992, it was declared a national park.

Enjoy exploring these incredible historical structures!