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.
Main entrance of Rafina's Hill.
This particular hill offers for recreation activities, like mountain bike and walking.
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.
Solar clock of the hill.
During their departure, germans blowned the whole place so it could not be used by the enemy.
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.
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.
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.
Machine gun base.
Blocked entrance to the underground part.
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.
Main entrance(1)
Main entrance(2)
innner view of the entrances.
innner view of the entrances.
Many of the tunnels ended up straight onto the port as a secure escape route.
The inner structure remains in good shape, despite the explosions and many years past by.
Inside tha fort many religion and political groups left their signs.