The fortress was designed by French engineer Claude Benoît du Hamel de Querlonde.
The underground system is one of the largest in Europe, designed to trap and neutralize enemy sappers.
Nearly 500 million bricks were used during the construction of the entire fortress complex.
The defensive system was designed to be flooded in specific sections if the enemy breached the perimeter.
Josefov houses one of the few surviving historical military hospitals from the late 18th century.
The fortress was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1948.
During the late 20th century, the site was utilized by the Soviet Army, which caused localized damage to certain historic interiors.
The tunnels were engineered to be perfectly dry during the 18th century, a significant feat of drainage technology.
Pevnost Josefov is an 18th-century fortress complex in Jaroměř, originally commissioned by Emperor Joseph II to protect the Habsburg monarchy against Prussia. The site features an extensive system of underground defensive corridors, known as counter-mining galleries, stretching approximately 45 kilometers. Bastion No. I remains one of the best-preserved sections of the sprawling Baroque military fortification. Visitors can explore a guided subterranean tour that highlights the engineering complexity of 18th-century siege warfare. The fortress was constructed over roughly seven years, from 1780 to 1787, using a distinctive grid layout. It served as a strategic military town and never saw active combat, which contributed to its high level of preservation. The underground passages contain original ventilation shafts and defensive niches designed for musket fire. The site functions as a museum focusing on military history and fortification architecture.
The elevated ramparts of Bastion No. I provide a clear view of the fortress's geometric layout and the surrounding brick walls.
Bring a warm jacket, as the underground tunnels maintain a constant low temperature year-round regardless of outside weather.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear suitable for uneven, damp ground.
Book guided tours in advance as entry to the subterranean section is generally restricted to official groups.
Attempting to explore the labyrinthine tunnel system without a guide, as it is easy to get disoriented.
Tours of the underground passages are seasonal and typically closed during the winter months.
Maintain a low noise level in the tunnels; follow guide instructions strictly to avoid hazards.
