Theresia Bastion

When Prince Eugene of Savoy conquered Timisoara in 1716, the Turkish fortifications, some dating back to the Angevin period, were heavily damaged. The Viennese authorities decided to reconstruct the fortress walls from scratch according to the design principles of the fortress engineer Vauban. The foundation stone was laid in 1723, yet it was not completed until 40 years later. The fortress complex included the castle and the city centre with three ramparts, with protruding corners in nine places, so-called bastions, which ensured its defence from all sides.
The inner wall consisted of a series of vaults, with the outer end forming a sloped, three-metre-high wall in front of a moat. The vaults were covered with a thick layer of earth. The second, slightly lower rampart consisted of two walls filled with rammed earth, in front of which was another moat. Finally, a third, even lower wall followed. After this, 950 metres of undeveloped terrain at a slight slope followed, the so-called Glacis.
Of all the bastions, only the Theresa Bastion remains and is only partially preserved. Originally used as a supply depot, today it houses exhibition rooms, shops and restaurants. In the inner courtyard, new, modern buildings have been added that are partially constructed underground.
The children will especially like the tour start at the Theresa Bastion, as there is a real cannon which serves as a reminder of the historical battles for Timisoara. It points in the direction of the old town and gives the starting direction for the tour.