Narva Castle: operating mode and photo

Narva Castle makes historians argue, because they can not agree on the exact date of its occurrence. However, there are facts that allow specialists to determine the chronology of the development of the city and this stone structure. One thing is clear - the approximate time of the birth of Hermanni linnus (est.) Falls on the end of the Middle Ages. So, the Narva Castle: the history of origin, mode of operation, address and feedback of tourists.

Location of the castle

This defensive structure is located in the eponymous city of Estonia on the banks of the Narva River! And no confusion, it's pretty simple to remember. But you also need to know that it is also called Herman's castle. To make it easier to understand the location, it is enough to look at the map: it shows that the opposite bank belongs to Russia, it houses the Ivangorod fortress, which was also built to strengthen the borders by the decree of Ivan III in 1492.

Narva Castle: the history of origin

Initially, a wooden fortress was built on this place, crossing the old road and the river. Its construction falls on the XIII century, when the Danes conquered Northern Estonia. Later, under the guise of this castle, the eponymous city also develops. When conflict situations began to occur on the opposite bank of the river with the Russians, the Danes seriously considered the need to create stronger defenses. To this end, in the XIV century the construction of a stone fortress begins, which was a building with walls and towers about 40 m high. The modern Narva Castle is a follower of this building.

From the beginning to the middle of the 1300s, the exterior courtyard was completed: first it was small, then it became bigger. In this place, local residents were supposed to hide in the event of war. But already in 1347 the Danish king sells Northern Estonia together with the Narva to the Livonian Order. From now on, the castle serves as the home of the convent. By the way, part of the first level of construction, the courtyard and the halls have been preserved in their original form to this day.

During the period of possession of the fortress, the Livonian Order built the tower of Herman. We can say that this action was a response to the Russians, who erected a fortress on their (opposite) shore - Ivangorod. Also Narva "hid" in its arms a wall that has not survived to the present day - it was demolished in 1777. There are records indicating that four gates with iron plates and a lifting bridge were built into it. The length of the wall was about 1 km and was surrounded by a moat, and 7 towers were built as additional protection. Later, the order strengthened the gates and built cannon towers (one of them was preserved). But it did not help - in 1558 the Russians still won the city.

After 30 years, Narva was captured by the Swedes. The Russians lost after the first battle, and since 1700 the fortress belongs to Sweden. Again, construction is in full swing: a bastion of Wrangel appears, a complete reconstruction of the Dark Gate is underway, and positions for guns on fortifications are being arranged.

Pleased with the acquisition of the Swedes had not long, because after 4 years, Peter I returns this territory and the Narva Castle (photo below) - the fortress again belongs to the Russian Empire. The firing of bastion facades lasted 10 days, after which two of them collapsed. So the Russians took the city for the second time, together with the whole of Estonia.

But after such events, Narva lost its strategic importance, although the fortress was considered to be an external fortification structure of St. Petersburg for about 150 years. The bastions were rebuilt, and the construction of the Ravelins started by the Swedes was completed. In 1863, Narva lost the status of a fortified city, on the territory of one of the bastions called Victoria, a park was created, named after the main gate of the Dark Garden. Finally, the gates were destroyed in 1875.

Almost completely Narva Castle was destroyed in 1944. The Second World War became for him literally a fatal event, as Soviet aviation destroyed most of the structures in chips. Since 1950 and to this day, slowly, but surely there is a reconstruction of the fortress. But most importantly, the castle retained its medieval appearance, despite the trials that fate had prepared for him.

Castle in the 21st century

Today, in this strict and slightly gloomy stone structure, there is the Narva Museum and workshops of artisans. Guests of Estonia and local residents are told about the history of the city and about the events through which the fortress passed, starting from the 1500s. The tower called the Long Herman is equipped with exhibition halls. Sometimes concerts are held here. This fortress in the 21st century is a place where festivals, celebrations and other merry events are constantly held.

Where is the fortress, and how to get there?

Narva Castle is located on the Petersburg Highway in the city of Narva. Nearby - the Russian-Estonian border. Due to this location it is easy to find the Narva Castle. Address (exact): Estonia, Narva, Petrovskaya square, 2. Phone: +3723599230.

The operating mode of the lock and the ticket price

Visiting the fortress will turn into an interesting journey into the past, despite the season. Everyone who wants, after choosing a convenient time, can visit the Narva Castle. Working hours: from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am and until 6 pm. The territory of the fortress can be reached free of charge, and if you want to go inside to inspect the interior of the halls, which was recently restored, you will have to pay an average of 4 euros.

Interesting Facts

• In the 16th century, when Narva belonged to the Russian Empire, it was the only Russian trading port in the Baltic.
• When the Ivangorod fortress was built on the opposite bank , the residents of Narva experienced "great inconveniences": the Russians restricted them in fishing and trade, and also shot at unseasonable times. By the way, the Estonian side in the latter did not lag behind.
• The battle for Narva, which occurred in 1700, was significant for Russia. This is the first battle of the Russian regular army in history.

Narva Castle: reviews of tourists

Knowingly this fortress is one of the most important sights of Estonia, after all all fights of different people for this small state somehow concern it.

First of all I want to note that now it is very beautiful there. Somehow, in an unknown way, this territory perfectly combines the rigor of the Middle Ages with some elegance.

Secondly, visiting the fortress is the best opportunity to immerse yourself in the life of the Middle Ages, to learn how people lived, and to attach children to the history. Contacting the administration, you can find out when festivals, fairs and other interesting events take place on the territory to take part in them.

Tourists who happened to visit this place say that the Narva Castle is the embodiment of an entire epoch. Both outside and inside the fortress is interesting and fascinating. Particularly impressive is the view of Ivangorod fortress, which connects with Narva bridge. Therefore, visiting the castle will be a cognitive and fascinating activity for adults and children!