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Bastion forts have inviting ramparts and strategic designs; they stand testament to military ingenuity and architectural brilliance. These edifices were constructed originally for the purpose of defense, and they added allure to the completely transformed tourist resorts that keep people craving for the historical significance of the old buildings. Thick walls, angular bastions, and intricate gateways whisper tales of valiant conflicts, conquests, and resilience from which one can understand the tactical prowess of the minds who built them. Many were restored to recreate their original glory and now serve for museums, cultural exhibits, and guided tours to add everything worthwhile to the visit.
10 Popular Bastion Forts In The World
Here are ten must-visit bastion forts around the world, known for their historical significance, architectural grandeur, and breathtaking views:
1. Fort Bourtange, Netherlands
Photo: piotr iłowiecki / Wikimedia Commons
The star-shaped fortress Fort Bourtange built in 1593, is situated in the Netherlands. It was originally built during the Dutch Revolt to seize the control of the only road connecting Germany with Groningen. The distinct design features pentagonal bastions encompassing a series of moats making it virtually impregnable. The fort saw active service until 1851 and thereafter became a village. In the 1960s, it was restored to resemble an 18th-century fortress and an open-air museum. Visitors can peruse its historic barracks, bridges, and museums containing artifacts of the fort’s military history.
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: €9 for adults, €5 for children
2. Fort Saint Elmo, Malta
Photo: Txllxt TxllxT / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Saint Elmo is a star-shaped fort overlooking the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. Built by the Knights of St. John in 1552, it became prominent during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Several upgrades and reinforcement projects have protected it from declines, and it served mainly during World War II as one of the important defensive structures. Presently, the fort hosts the National War Museum, which focuses on Malta’s military history, including the award of the George Cross to the people of Malta. The fort exemplifies bastions, tunnels, and gun emplacements, which speaks about its strategic importance.
Location: Valletta, Malta
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: €10 for adults, €5 for students
3. Castillo San Felipe De Barajas, Colombia
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Cartagena, Colombia’s Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is immense, built by the Spanish starting in 1536 to ward off marauders and enemy incursions. Having received some construction in the latter part of the 17th century, it contains an elaborate spiral-like underground system of tunnels, a strong network of watchtowers, and thick stone walls made to withstand attempts at siege. The fort served a key function in battles fought against British and later French forces; this shows how vital it was in defending the Spanish interests in the Caribbean. From then to now, it has achieved the status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: $6 for adults, $3 for children
4. Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the coast of Sri Lanka. It was built by the Portuguese in 1588, but later modifications were made to it by the Dutch during the 17th century. It became an important centre of trade and military, serving to secure European colonial interests in the region. It is famous for its architecture, which is a combination between those from Europe and South Asia, having very thick stone walls, bastions, ancient buildings that have withstood hundreds of years of up-and-down monsoon rains and invasions.
Location: Galle, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
5. Fort Jefferson, USA
Photo: Acroterion / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Jefferson is situated within the boundaries of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida and is one of the largest brick forts located in the territory of the United States. Built in between the years 1846 and 1875, it was meant to guard the vital ship lanes of the Gulf of Mexico. Even with its grand establishment and strategic positioning, the fort was never completed and has never seen action. The fort itself contains six-bit walls, mighty gun positions, and a moat encircling it. It had also served the nation as a prison during the Civil War, the most famous of its inmates being Dr.
Location: Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA
Timings: 8 AM – Sunset
Entry Fee: $15
6. Mehrangarh Fort, India
Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash
Located 400 feet atop a hill in Jodhpur, the state of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort is among the largest and most magnificent of forts in India. The fort is encircled with massive walls, which are complemented with its seven gates, built at different times in history, and still bear the scars of long-ago battles. The fort is home to a beautiful collection of palaces and courtyards with regal furnishings like palanquins, weapons, and paintings, which now exist in museums. One can admire a great view of the Blue City of Jodhpur, in which all houses were painted blue.
Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹600 for foreigners, ₹100 for Indians
7. El Morro, Puerto Rico
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
The fortress built at the site of Castillo San Felipe del Morro was constructed in the 16th century at San Juan, Puerto Rico, which was erected by the Spanish in view of the threat of naval invasion of the island. It later took part in the Spanish-American War and became a U.S. military base. Today, El Morro is a site of the San Juan National Historic Site as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can stroll through its labyrinthine corridors, dungeons, and panoramic viewpoints.
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $10 (covers both El Morro & San Cristóbal)
8. Almeida Fortress, Portugal
Photo: Xemenendura / Wikimedia Commons
A bastion fort that takes the shape of a star, Almeida Fortress is located in Portugal. It is a fort constructed in the 17th century and was used for defense against the Spanish invasions. Among all forts hastily erected alongside the Spanish border, it became most known for its role during the Peninsular War since it was besieged and completely destroyed in 1810. However, it has been designed with twelve points, with thick stone walls and moats at considerable depths, representing one of the finest European military architectures. Today, the fortress is pretty much intact, having underground tunnels, powder magazines, and barracks that can still be visited.
Location: Almeida, Portugal
Timings: 10 AM- 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Fort Cornwallis, Malaysia
Photo: Pangalau / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Cornwallis, the largest fort faced in Malaysia in George Town, Penang, was constructed by the British in the late 18th century. Built by the British East India Company to defend the island from the prowling pirates and later possible French invasion, this fort stood erect but never saw any glory in battle. It consisted of several administrative buildings, plus a chapel, barracks etc. In these times of hoardings, this place has become one of the main historical sites visited for tourists with its popular olden well-preserved cannons, among which is the famous Seri Rambai cannon.
Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: RM 20 for adults, RM 10 for children
10. Suomenlinna, Finland
Photo: Michal Pise / Wikimedia Commons
Suomenlinna, a sea fortress built across six islands adjacent to Helsinki in Finland, was erected during the mid-18th century by Sweden as a deterrent against the Russian advance, later succumbing to the might of Russia, and thereafter became Finnish territory. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its grandiose bastions, tunnels, and artillery. Nowadays, however, the fortress is a popular cultural venue, with its museums, cafes, and housing members of a community. Guests are welcome to walk the fortress walls, visit the Suomenlinna Museum, and enjoy beautiful walks along its coastal defenses.
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
The bastion forts symbolize military science and architecture, each proudly bearing testament to a different page in history. From star-shaped defenses to those along the coasts, they take the visitors back into some of the most forgotten eras in conquest and resilience. Whether there is an interest in astounding views, deep underground tunnels, or cultural exhibits, visiting these historical sites will definitely make a memorable journey. Book your bastion for a tour with TripXL and live some of the world’s most fascinating fortifications with expert accompaniment.
Cover Photo: Nilanka Kariyawasam / Unsplash
