Raversyde Museum |
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Atlantic Wall is a system of fortifications built by the Germans during World War II in the occupied territories. It stretched over 3862 kilometers, from the French-Spanish border to the northern ends of Norway. Strongest fortified part Atlantic Wall was in the Calais area, much weaker fortifications were built in Normandy.
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Along the Belgian coast, the Germans created fortifications to protect the ports of Zeebruge and Ostend (operating bases of German submarines). Fortifications in Ostend are one of the best preserved parts Atlantic Wall. Today, the site houses the Raversyde Museum, which is one of the main historical attractions on the Belgian coast. The museum consists of two parts. The first is thematically related to the First World War, the second part concerns the Second World War.
The Raversyde Museum is a place where history and nature meet
In the open space there are over 60 bunkers, observation and artillery stands connected by two kilometers of open or underground corridors. The Raversyde Museum has the only surviving German coastal battery from World War I, the Aachen battery. It consisted of cannons, observation bunkers and living quarters for soldiers.
During the three-hour tour, we can admire not only wonderfully restored military exhibits, but also beautiful views of the beaches of Ostend. As the slogan of the Raversyde museum says, it is a place where history and nature meet. That this part Atlantic Wall, together with the equipment, it has survived in such good condition, is due to Prince Charles, who after the death of his father, King of Belgium Albert I, took care of this place, not allowing the destruction of this area, which is a great witness to the history of World War I and the First.
During the three-hour tour, we can admire not only wonderfully restored military exhibits, but also beautiful views of the beaches of Ostend. As the slogan of the Raversyde museum says, it is a place where history and nature meet. That this part Atlantic Wall, together with the equipment, it has survived in such good condition, is due to Prince Charles, who after the death of his father, King of Belgium Albert I, took care of this place, not allowing the destruction of this area, which is a great witness to the history of World War I and the First.