Fortification of the Latvian Army Sapper Regiment
Bunker

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Fortification of the Sapper Regiment of the Latvian Army, 2021. Source: Riga Planning Region, author: Edgars Ražinskis.
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 Mangaļsalas iela, Rīga, Latvia
21

It is located in Riga, Mangaļsalai at the mouth of the Daugava in the sea opposite Daugavgrīva.

The Latvian Army's reinforced concrete fortification, or kaponieris, was an element of the Latvian Army's coastal defense system. It was built by the soldiers of the Sapieru regiment in 1928. Designed for shooting the enemy with machine guns in two different directions. It was secretive, hard to see and not marked on maps.

After the War of Independence of Latvia, Mangaļsala was formed as a fortified area of the Latvian army to stop potential attacks of the enemy, including landings. The intention was to enhance the effectiveness of weapons by taking advantage of special structures and terrain. Reinforced concrete fortifications were able to protect soldiers and weapons during the battle, and also allowed to control the territory with small forces. Mangaļsala was home to a Latvian army radio station and coastal defense artillery.

Nowadays, you can see a rare and well-preserved fortification in Latvia. In the territory of the seaside forest, you can see other fortification structures. A place with huge potential still waiting for revival.

Audio guide https://izi.travel/en/edbf-mangalsala-fortifications/en

 

 
Used sources and references:

Anderson, E. The Latvian Armed Forces and Their Prehistory. Toronto: Daugavas Vanagu Central Publishing House, 1983.

Bangerskis, R. Designation of the boundaries of the Mangaļsala fortified position area of the Daugavgrīva fortress and regulations for visiting this area. Government Gazette, No. 251. 1925.

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