Fortifications of Metz-Fort Saint-Privat (Feste Prinz August von Württemberg)

Following the Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany, the military importance of Metz was significantly enhanced. Between 1872 and 1875, German engineers constructed the Feste Prinz August von Württemberg according to the designs of the Biehler system. It was an independent fortification and part of the first defensive ring around Metz, which had originally been started by the French. The garrison was provided by the XVI Army Corps in the early 1890s and by parts of the King's Infantry Regiment No. 145 at the beginning of World War I. After Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France in 1919, the fortress was renamed Fort Saint-Privat. During World War II, particularly during the Battle of Metz in autumn 1944, the fort saw its baptism of fire. It was fiercely defended by German troops under the command of Sturmbannführer Werner Matzdorff and only capitulated on November 29, 1944, after weeks of fighting and dwindling supplies.

The Fortress Metz-Fort Saint-Privat is located in the city of Metz in the Moselle department, in the Lorraine region of France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 185 m above sea level.

Fort Saint-Privat is currently accessible to visitors and can be explored, offering insight into the military architecture and history of the region.

• Fortress Metz-Fort de Queuleu (Goeben) (Fortress), approx. 4.7 km away
• Fortress Metz-Fort Saint Quentin (Feste Prinz Friedrich Karl) (Fortress), approx. 4.7 km away
• Metz Cathedral (Sacred building), approx. 4.9 km away
• Fortress Metz-Porte des Allemands (German Gate) (Fortress), approx. 5.0 km away