“Did anyone else see that rabbit disappear into that ditch?” a child’s voice echoed through the clearing. We are standing before the Schwedenschanze, a place with a rather misleading name. You see, despite its name, the Schwedenschanze has no historical ties to Sweden or the Thirty Years’ War. Built in 1870, the Schwedenschanze was a fortress intended to guard the sea route to Stralsund. Its original name was the “Pommersche Batterie”. It was later renamed “Pommersche Schanze” in 1886 and finally, “Schwedenschanze” in 1902. The fortress was part of a larger defense strategy, alongside other fortifications, meant to protect the coast from enemy ships and shield the northern part of the city. The Schwedenschanze is a testament to evolving military architectural styles. Built in the Neo-Prussian style, it featured seven fronts, a broken gorge, and three gun emplacements for 15 cm ring cannons facing the sea. A fourth gun emplacement was located on the north front. The Schwedenschanze might appear to be just a collection of overgrown mounds and ditches today. But, look closer, and you’ll discover remnants of its robust past. The concrete and granite structures, once at the forefront of construction technology, still peek through the undergrowth. Imagine the bustle of activity during its operational years, the echoing commands, and the rumble of cannons. Though silent now, the Schwedenschanze still whispers its story to those who take the time to listen.
Hauptfriedhof
Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.