Fort Ducrot

Mundolsheim has the distinction of possessing two of the military fortifications built around Strasbourg by the Germans after the annexation of 1871: Fort Roon, renamed Desaix, and Fort Podbielski, now known as Ducrot. The Hausbergen heights, a formidable observatory to the north of Strasbourg, provided the enemy with excellent artillery positions. It was therefore decided to integrate them into the new defense system.

Fort Podbielski was built between 1879 and 1882, a hundred meters from the Protestant church (it was reinforced several times). The last of the city?s forts, it completes the belt of forts on an elevation hitherto neglected due to its small size. Situated on a narrow ridge, its asymmetrical layout is unique to Strasbourg. This dry ditch fort is small in size, but has more refined ornamentation. Integrated into the Maginot Line on the eve of the Second World War, the fort served as a command post for the 103rd Fortress Infantry Division, responsible for defending Strasbourg. To this end, its beautiful facades were covered by a large concrete mask.
It is virtually the only fort in Alsace-Moselle to have this type of configuration.

After 1918, it was renamed Fort Ducrot in honor of General Auguste-Alexandre Ducrot (1817-1882), former commander of Strasbourg's 6th military division, who distinguished himself at Sedan and Paris during the 1870-1871 war.

Visits are offered on a regular basis, providing an opportunity to meet enthusiasts and gain a better understanding of the turbulent history of this period.

DATAtourisme France