fortress
A military building or walled compound with large defensive fortifications.
Pictured: Cetatea Rașnov
A fortress is a walled construction with very heavy fortifications around its perimeter or on an exposed side, which was built for military or defensive purposes. It typically features thick masonry or concrete walls, a jagged perimeter, towers or castellations at intermittent points, and very narrow window openings for defense by archers or riflemen.
Fortified buildings constructed mainly or in part as permanent residences, especially for aristocratic or royal persons, are classified as castles rather than fortresses.
The original purpose is military or defensive. A fortified permanent aristocratic residence has the separate castle meaning, even where the defensive architectural elements look similar.
fortress Photos
Related definitions
-
building with towers
A building with fewer than 12 floors which has one or more tall towers appended to it. -
capitol-type building
A secular monumental building dominated by a high central vaulted or domed space rising above its wings. -
castle
A building formed as a large fortified aristocratic residence, typically with defensive towers and restricted approaches. -
hall
A building dominated by large undivided interior spaces at least five meters high and 100 square meters in area. -
palace
A building of exceptional grandeur which was built as an aristocratic residence.