Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 5, 2026

Covertway

In military architecture, a covertway or covered way is a path on top of the counterscarp of a fortification. It is protected by an embankment which is made up by the crest of the glacis. It is able to give the fort's garrison a position beyond the ditch, as well as a continuous line of communication around the outworks.

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Jul 5, 2026
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17th century illustration showing a cross-section of the fortifications of Groenlo. From left to right: counterscarp, covertway, ditch, faussebraye and the main defensive wall. source ↗
A place-of-arms on the covertway of Valletta source ↗

In military architecture, a covertway or covered way (French: chemin couvert, Italian: strada coperta) is a path on top of the counterscarp of a fortification. It is protected by an embankment which is made up by the crest of the glacis.1 It is able to give the fort's garrison a position beyond the ditch, as well as a continuous line of communication around the outworks.2

An enlarged area within a covertway designed to allow troops to assemble on it is known as a place-of-arms.3

References

References

  1. Spiteri, Stephen C. (2010). "Illustrated Glossary of Terms used in Military Architecture". ARX Supplement. MilitaryArchitecture.com: 6. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017.
  2. "Covered". Webster's 1913 Dictionary. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  3. James, Charles (1802). A New and Enlarged Military Dictionary. London: T. Egerton. p. 629.