Deutsch: Befestigung / Español: Fortificación / Français: Fortification / Italiano: Fortificazione
A Fort or other fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defense in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs. The term is derived from the Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make"). From very early history to modern times, walls have been a necessity for many cities.
In the travel context, a "fort" is a fortified military structure or building, often built by European colonial powers in foreign lands. Forts are often popular tourist destinations due to their historical and cultural significance. Here are some examples of forts that are popular tourist attractions:
- Fort Sumter: A sea fort located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, that played a significant role in the American Civil War.
- Fort Santiago: A citadel located in Manila, Philippines, that served as a military defense structure during the Spanish colonial period and is now a popular tourist attraction.
- Fort Ticonderoga: A fort located in upstate New York, USA, that played a significant role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
- Fort Saint Elmo: A fort located in Valletta, Malta, that played a significant role in the Siege of Malta in 1565 and is now a popular tourist attraction and museum.
- Mehrangarh Fort: A large fort located in Jodhpur, India, that is one of the largest forts in India and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Similar travel-related terms that may be associated with forts include:
- Castles: Fortified structures that were built primarily for residential purposes and are often associated with medieval Europe.
- Palaces: Large, grand residences that were often used by monarchs or other high-ranking officials and are often associated with royal or aristocratic history.
- Citadels: Military fortresses that were designed to protect a city or town from invasion.
- Bastions: Fortified towers or structures that were often used as defensive structures or for military purposes.
- Keeps: A fortified tower or structure within a castle or fortress that served as a last line of defense.
- Fortresses: Large, fortified structures that were designed for military purposes, often used to protect a city or territory from invasion.