Die Festung ist eine Parkanlage und kann nur von außen besichtigt werden.
FortressIllange
Feste Illingen (Illange)
The Feste Illingen, also known by its French name Groupe Fortifié d'Illange, is an imposing fortification built at the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the French region of Lorraine, it was once a strategically important part of the German Moselstellung, designed to secure the river course south of Thionville and prevent outflanking the fortress of Metz.
History+
Construction of the Feste Illingen began in May 1905, following a decision in January 1900 to initially build only an armored battery near Illange. The facility was completed in February 1907 and expanded by 1911 into a full-fledged fortress for infantry and foot artillery companies. As a special German type of fortress, the complex included a central armored battery with four gun turrets, surrounded by four infantry positions. Each of these units featured a concrete barracks and supply rooms, connected by an underground tunnel system. After World War I, the undamaged Feste passed into French possession. Although it was only moderately suitable for direct support of the Maginot Line, it was developed into an important command center. During World War II, it served as the command post for the Thionville fortress sector in 1940, before being captured in November 1944 after artillery bombardment and attacks by US troops.
Location+
The Feste Illingen is located in the municipality of Illange in the Moselle department, in the Lorraine region of France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 230 meters above sea level.
On site+
Today, the former fortress serves as a park and is publicly accessible. However, the fortress buildings themselves are locked and can only be viewed from the outside. Information boards explain the layout of the freely accessible complex.
Nearby+
- Feste Königsmachern (Kœnigsmacker) (fortress), approx. 7.8 km away
- Fort Hackenberg (Veckring) (fortress), approx. 13.8 km away
- Festung Metz-Fort Lorraine (Feste Lothringen) Right strongpoint (fortress), approx. 18.6 km away
- Festung Metz-Fort Lorraine (Feste Lothringen) (fortress), approx. 19.3 km away
Take Mobile History with you
You are reading this text for free. Premium adds what matters on the road: descriptions read aloud, sites found through your camera, whole regions taken offline.
- Every description, including the ~17,700 Premium sites
- Audio guide: have descriptions read to you on location
- AR finder: see sites through your camera, with distance and bearing
- Unlimited saved sites
14 days free, then from €2.99 a month. Cancel anytime.
Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 49.3339, 6.1767