states: [netherlands]
category: cultural
year: 1996
location: Provinces of Noord-Holland (NH), Utrecht (UT)
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 52.3744444400, 4.8930555560
The Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Netherlands, is a historic military fortification system constructed between 1880 and 1920. Designed to protect the capital from invasion, it consists of a ring of 42 forts, intricate waterways, and floodable zones that could be inundated to deter enemies. This innovative defense strategy, known as the Dutch Water Line, showcases exceptional engineering and spatial planning, reflecting the Netherlands' military heritage and adaptation to its landscape. Today, it stands as a well-preserved testament to 19th-century military architecture and strategic ingenuity.
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