Fortifications of Metz-Fort de Plappeville (Feste Alvensleben)

Construction of Feste Alvensleben began in 1867. Following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, when Alsace-Lorraine became part of the German Empire, the fortress underwent modernization and partial reconstruction between 1871 and 1891. It was part of the Moselle position's defense system, which was developed until approximately 1912, serving to protect the newly acquired territory from French attacks. The fortress was designed to accommodate 1600 soldiers and featured 78 gun barrels along with a large quantity of gunpowder. From 1897, it was additionally equipped with two armored batteries, each comprising four rotatable 150-mm gun turrets and armored observation posts. During World War I, the fortress was not directly involved in combat. After World War II, the facility served as a training ground for the French army.

The Fortress Metz-Fort de Plappeville is situated at an elevation of approximately 341 meters above sea level, west of Metz in the Moselle department, in Lorraine, France.

Today, the Fortress Metz-Fort de Plappeville is accessible to visitors and can be explored. Although it appears largely cleared out and neglected, it offers an insight into the military architecture of its era.