Fort VIII of Kaunas Fortress Fortification

Fort VIII in Milikonys, Kaunas, was built in 1889–1890 according to a new experimental project by S. Glinka-Jančevski, and is the only fort of this type in the entire former Russian Empire.

The fort is in the shape of a regular pentagon, with a dominant transverse axis. On the transverse axis there is a postern, a gunpowder and ammunition depot, and a concrete caponier. Side posterns branch off to the sides from the central postern, which lead to the defensive ditch - these are the exits to the inner courtyards. In the back, in front of the defensive ditch, there are two barracks buildings. The casemate barracks part is a vaulted, underground, tunnel-like room, transversely crossing the central postern. There are firing positions around the defensive ditch - circular in plan, with an entrance corridor, built of stone and concrete.

This fort was the first to be equipped with electricity: an oil-powered engine and generator were installed in one of the internal casemates to generate electricity. An electrically powered ventilation system was installed in the concrete caponier. The only defensive water ditch in Kaunas was installed on the outside of the left flank of the fortifications, into which water from the Nemunas entered through a lock.

Fort VIII formed a single defensive line with the Linkuva fortifications. It played an episodic role during the First World War. A reserve of over 500 soldiers was located in Fort VIII, who were later sent to the battlefield in the defensive line of Fort III. While retreating, the defenders blew up the central gunpowder and ammunition depot, which was eventually flooded with water.

During the interwar period, due to a lack of living space in the fort, poorer residents settled in the barracks.

During the Soviet era, some of the premises housed the Soviet army's vegetable supplies.

Currently, the fort's surroundings are actively used by the surrounding residents, who have established gardens here. Earth art and creation workshops with local and foreign artists are held here, etc.