Bastionul Soldisch (Soldisch Bastion), Sibiu

The Soldisch Bastion, also known as the Bastion of the Mercenaries, stands as a formidable testament to the strategic fortifications of Sibiu. Constructed between 1622 and 1627, this bastion, located at the western extremity of Sibiu's fortifications on Bastionului Street, at the corner with Alba Iulia Road, became an integral part of the city's defensive network.

In the mid-16th century, amid the escalating threat from the Ottoman Empire, Sibiu fortified its defenses with artillery rounds and bastions. The Soldisch Bastion, along with the Haller Bastion, reflects the influence of Italian architects who introduced a new system of fortifications to counter the evolving challenges of warfare. These bastions were strategically positioned to reinforce key points in the city's defensive structure.

Constructed primarily of brick and filled with earth to enhance protection against artillery fire, the Soldisch Bastion exhibits the characteristic features of the Italian fortification system. Despite having the smallest area among the five bastions incorporated into the city's defense belts, the Soldisch Bastion boasts walls with a thickness of 2 meters and a maximum height of 10 meters.

Casemates with openings for cannons were intricately designed into the bastion's structure. Stone spacers, positioned approximately 1 meter from the upper limit of the walls, were strategically added to thwart the placement of siege stairs, enhancing the bastion's defensive capabilities. The pentagonal platform atop the bastion served as the strategic placement for cannons, contributing to the bastion's role in safeguarding the city.

Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a short tunnel beneath the Soldisch Bastion, facilitating communication beyond the walls and adding an intriguing layer to its historical significance.

Out of the five bastions constructed in the second half of the 16th century and the first half of the 17th century, including the Haller Bastion, the bastion in front of the Ocna Gate (Cobblers), the bastion in front of the Tower Gate, and the bastion in front of the Cisnădia Gate, only the Haller and Soldisch bastions have endured the test of time, preserving the rich history of Sibiu's fortifications.