The abandoned nazi fortress of Rafina,Greece


ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

In Rafina's Hill, near Athens, still standing the remains of an abandoned WW2 nazi fortress. The germans, during the period of occupation of Greece (1941) chose to build fort in this particular hill, near the port of Rafina. Its obvious that this strategic location served to supervise the whole region.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Main entrance of Rafina's Hill.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ



ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
This particular hill offers for recreation activities, like mountain bike and walking.



ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Rafina during WW2.
Nazis concerned about their safety so they built tunnels connecting to sea. On this hill, during that season,there were built many personnel buildings, warehouses, machine gun bases and an underground fortress.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Solar clock of the hill.


ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
During their departure, germans blowned the whole place so it could not be used by the enemy.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

Nowadays, most of the underground area parts have been collapsed. For this great establishment, like a fort is, many of the Rafina's residents were forced to harsh labor.
ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Watchtower.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ


ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Machine gun base.
During 12 July of 1944, in ambush had set by greek rebels in Pikermi, the german commander of the fortress and a port officer got killed. In retaliation, many Rafina's residedents arrested and led in Levidi's farm for execution. Finally,  last minute before the execution's order, the deputy governor of the navy saves them from certain death. Despite that act many of them tortured and imprisoned.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
The fortress was also equipped with five strong cannons provided by Mazino line in France.

At the present time, Hill fort is under the authority of greek army. Last years many actions were taken so the Hill will be cleared completely from forgotten projectiles and mines.
 
ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Machine gun base.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Blocked entrance to the underground part.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Machine gun base.

The small underground part of the fortress which remained untouched from the explosions, composes excellent example of  the architecture used in WW2.
ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Main entrance(1)

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Main entrance(2)

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
innner view of the entrances.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
innner view of the entrances.

Many of the tunnels ended up straight onto the port as a secure escape route.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
The inner structure remains in good shape, despite the explosions and many years past by.

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

Inside tha fort many religion and political groups left their signs.


ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ
Air vent
ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

ΛΟΦΟΣ ΟΧΥΡΟΥ, ΟΧΥΡΟ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ







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