Fortress Magdeburg-Bastion Halberstadt

The origins of Magdeburg's fortifications date back to the 13th century, when the first city walls were built. Between 1450 and 1550, these structures were extensively expanded and modernized due to the development of firearms. The fortress proved its worth during sieges such as those in 1550/51 and 1629. During the Thirty Years' War, it was further expanded under Swedish command, but neglect of the southern front led to the city's capture and the demolition of the fortifications in 1631. After the war, under Brandenburg-Prussian rule, reconstruction and further expansion began in 1666, extending into the 18th century and creating a belt of eleven bastions.