Kaunas Fortress is a system of defensive fortifications built by Imperial Russia in the late 19th century. It stands as one of the most significant historical sites in Kaunas, preserving the secrets of the past. Out of the nine forts surrounding the city, the Ninth Fort is not only one of the best-preserved but also the most sinister. This place is shrouded in a dark history, with chilling tales and visitors’ accounts of unexplained phenomena in Lithuania.

The construction of the Ninth Fort was completed in 1913, just a year before the outbreak of World War I. The fort was designed as a defensive complex with underground tunnels, artillery batteries, and protective systems. However, the history of Kaunas Fortress took a different turn – the site never became a true battlefield. Instead, it was transformed into a Soviet prison, later becoming a site for mass executions, and now houses the Kaunas Museum, hiding many horrific secrets.

The Ninth Fort During World War II – The Horror of the Holocaust

In 1940, the Soviets turned the Ninth Fort into a prison for political prisoners, but it was during World War II that the site became infamous as a place of mass executions by the Nazis. Over the course of a few years, more than 50,000 people, mostly Jews from Lithuania and other European countries, were killed here. Many victims were brought by train, unaware of their fate. They were unloaded, taken to the fort’s grounds, stripped, and shot.

One of the most horrific events, the so-called “Great Action in Kaunas,” took place in October 1941, when approximately 10,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were executed in a single day. The fort’s walls still bear traces of these tragic events – visitors can see the mass execution pits and the inscriptions left by prisoners in the cells, knowing their lives would end there.

The Dark Tunnels and Unexplained Phenomena in Kaunas

The Ninth Fort’s underground tunnels in Kaunas are not only a labyrinth steeped in history but also a place where mysterious happenings are said to occur. Many visitors who find themselves in the dark corridors of the fort report feeling an unexplained heaviness, a chill, as if something is watching them from the shadows. Some guides share stories of visitors suddenly experiencing sharp headaches or intense anxiety as they enter certain rooms of the fort.

One of the most chilling stories tells of a group of visitors who ventured into the Ninth Fort’s tunnels with flashlights. During the tour, one flashlight went out, then another. The group found themselves trapped in complete darkness. Suddenly, they heard strange sounds, like footsteps sliding across the walls and indistinct whispers, even though no one else was in the tunnels. When they finally made it back to the surface, they were pale and unable to explain what had happened.

Guard and Visitor Experiences – What Lies in the Ninth Fort?

Fort guards and guides also share eerie stories from Kaunas. One of them claims that late one evening, while walking through the Ninth Fort, they saw a mysterious silhouette standing near one of the cells. As they approached, the figure vanished, leaving behind an overwhelming coldness in the air.

Another story involves a security guard who, during a night shift, heard footsteps climbing the stairs. Upon checking the premises, nothing was found, but the sounds continued. Weeks later, another guard shared a similar experience, describing hearing heavy breathing and strange, almost crying-like sounds in the Ninth Fort.

Visitors also share their experiences. Some tell of mystical shadows that appear in photos at the fort, though they were not visible in real life. Others speak of feeling light touches or even a cold breath on their neck.

The Mysterious Inscriptions on the Walls of the Ninth Fort

One of the most chilling discoveries at the Ninth Fort in Kaunas is the inscriptions left by prisoners. In one of the corridors, a phrase was found etched into the wall by a trembling hand: "If anyone is reading this, know we were here. We knew what awaited us, but we still hoped someone would save us." This inscription recalls the final moments, filled with fear and hope.

Some researchers believe that such inscriptions might be traces of emotional energy, still influencing the atmosphere of the Ninth Fort today. There are people who believe that intense experiences can leave marks in certain places, and the Ninth Fort may be one of them.

 The Ninth Fort – Location and Visitor Information.      

The Ninth Fort is a place where history merges with spine-chilling tales in Kaunas. It is a location where visitors experience strange sensations, and shadows and whispers might scare even the bravest. If you’re searching for a place filled with mystery in Kaunas, the Ninth Fort will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable impression.

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