Vyborg, "Round Tower" (restaurant): description, history

To all who appreciate delicious cuisine and is fond of historical places, it is worth to visit the restaurant "Round Tower", the location of which - Vyborg. There is no less than 460 years, and in its entire history has seen (in the literal sense) everything, including a variety of personalities. Once in this building there were Swedish kings; He did not fall in ruins during the change of epochs and during the war years. He survived many reconstructions - and still resisted. The final architectural appearance was formed only at the beginning of the XX century. The Finnish architect Ulberg was engaged in this. A restaurant tower first became in 1923.

"Round Tower" (Vyborg): history

This architectural structure was built as a monument of fortification. Completed erection on August 15, 1550 - it was part of a complex consisting of two towers: Round and Skotoprogonnaya (in a stone city wall). The seventeen-meter battle gallery connected them. The complex was a strengthening of the medieval type gates, in other words - barbican.

If you look at the tower from the technical side, it has almost the right shape, but more like a circle, but an oval. The diameter is slightly more than 20 m, and the thickness of the walls - 4 m. In height, it has three floors. Taking into account the tower, the length is the same as the diameter.

The fortifier Bergen was engaged in construction work on the orders of the Swiss King Gustav Vaz. His goal was to improve the defensive ability of the city from the southeast. And only 6 years after the completion of the construction of the tower received baptism of fire - the next Russian-Swedish war began, which this time lasted 2 years.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the army to besiege Vyborg, and perhaps this order was given because the fortress had to sign an agreement on the transfer of part of the Karelian Isthmus of Sweden. Now this act is considered a huge mistake on the part of the Russian tsar, as he caused the beginning of problems in the country and, of course, attracted the territorial loss of the Empire.

The fortress (Vyborg) "Round Tower" as soon as it was not named after the city entered Russia (1710): Petersburg and Petrovskaya, Tolstoy Katerina and sheep prison ... If in the course of wars it played the role of a defensive structure, in peacetime it was And prison, and arsenal, and a warehouse of flour.

Several times the tower was under threat of demolition, when due to uselessness, when due to its dilapidated. And sometimes it's completely unclear why they wanted to take it down. For example, in the year of the 20th century, an architect who was building a bank next to him insisted on destroying the fortress, because she allegedly spoiled the beautiful view of his architectural masterpiece.

In 1922 a restaurant was opened here. At the same time, the building becomes the meeting place of the Technical Club. In 40-41 years of the last century a museum was equipped there. From 1944 to 1972 Stored pharmacological agents. And from 1976 to the present day, the historic restaurant again works in the tower.

Exterior and interior of the "Round Tower"

The fortress structure has changed many times, both outside and inside. What you can see today is the work of the Finnish architect Uno Ulberg. He was engaged in reconstruction in the XX century. Fortress (Vyborg) "Round Tower" inside is decorated with an original fresco, made on the motives of the arms of ancient noble families. Here, a fascinating painted ceiling, corresponding in the design plan of the staircase and lamp, and even the oldest fireplace, which restored the skillful hands of the masters.

Outside, the fortress is plastered, but through the layer are visible red stones - elements of the old masonry. The roof, which is today, was not always. The "Round Tower" was often subjected to arson, so each time it was restored with some changes. Perhaps the only thing left from the times of antiquity are the walls. The rest was reworked and reconstructed.

So, in the XVII century the tower was crowned with a dome, which had a conical shape. At the top was an observation deck, allowing you to observe the surroundings. A century later, the dome had a spire and a weather vane. Closer to the XIX century, the spire became sharp, and the weathervane acquired the shape of an eagle.

Menu and culinary traditions, carried through the ages

The restaurant in such a city as Vyborg ("Round Tower"), specializes in dishes of old Russian and European cuisine. In addition, there are other options for food, which are tailored to the requirements of guests. For example, for tourists who need a snack during the excursion, there is a special menu that takes into account different tastes (tour-menu). You can order a business lunch or rent a bar, located on the second floor for business negotiations. In general, there are a lot of food options.

The "Round Tower" these days

The institution is located on the third floor and is divided into two halls: the main one ("Vassa") and the banquet ("Renaissance"). The first is designed for 120 people, the second is excellent for conferences and important negotiations.

Today, the restaurant (Vyborg) "Round Tower" is the center for stylized "medieval" events. For example, it is possible to organize meals in the courtyard of the fortress. Regularly held musical evenings, discos, a game of folk instruments, wine tasting and interactive medieval programs. This is a chance to spend time interesting and tasty meal.

"Round Tower" (Vyborg): address, telephone and mode of operation

Located in the city of Vyborg, Market Square, 1. Contact the organization can be by phone 8 813 782 36 48 and 8 813 783 17 29. On Friday and Saturday works from 10 am to 2 am, and on the remaining days - from 10:00 Until 00:00.

Reviews of restaurant "Round Tower" in Vyborg

What really does not please is the available, in addition to the positive, negative feedback about this restaurant. Some visitors write that the service here is at the "0" level, and not high-quality specialists work in the institution, as indicated in the certificate, but, to put it mildly, incompetent people who have nothing to do with the restaurant business. A scanty menu, the absence of a doorman, inattention to visitors and poor-quality dining furniture - that's what disappointed tourists write about. However, there are many who like the restaurant "Round Tower" in Vyborg, and they are ready to visit it again not only for the purpose of visiting the medieval sights.